Beyond Resolutions: Why We’re Celebrating “Inchstones” This January
The middle of January is a noisy time. Our social media feeds are usually packed with “New Year, New You” challenges, radical transformations, and high-pressure resolutions. The world tells us that if we aren’t making giant leaps, we aren’t moving at all.
But in the Down syndrome community, we know a secret that the rest of the world often misses: The most beautiful views come from the smallest steps.
What is an “Inchstone”?
We all know the “milestones”—those big, bold markers in a baby book like walking, talking, or starting school. But for our children, the space between those milestones is filled with hundreds of tiny, hard-won victories.
We call these Inchstones.
An inchstone is the extra two seconds of “tummy time” before a tired head hits the mat. It’s the first time a finger points to a favorite book, the first time a shirt comes off without a struggle, or that one clear syllable that sounds just like “Mama.”
The Weight of the Win
To an outsider, an inchstone might look small. But to a parent or caregiver in our community, we know exactly how much work went into that “inch.”
While other children might reach a milestone through instinct, our loved ones often reach them through sheer grit, repetition, and the support of a dedicated “village” of therapists, teachers, and family members. When an inchstone is finally reached, it isn’t just a development; it’s a triumph of the spirit.
Why We’re Slowing Down This Year
This January, we are choosing to ignore the pressure to “leap ahead.” Instead, we are leaning into the beauty of the present. Here is why celebrating the small stuff matters:
- It honors the effort: If it took six months of physical therapy to stand for ten seconds, that ten-second stand deserves a standing ovation.
- It beats burnout: When we only look at the “big” goals, the journey can feel long. When we look at the inches, we realize we are winning every single day.
- It builds confidence: Our children feel our joy. When we celebrate their small successes, they learn that they are capable, seen, and loved.
Let’s Build a Wall of Wins
We don’t want to just talk about inchstones; we want to celebrate them with you.
Was there a win in your house this week? Maybe it was a successful trip to the dentist, a new sign-language word, or a “high five” for a friend. No matter how small it feels to the rest of the world, it is a mountain-top moment to us.
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