Hey, Love!
We all have those days… the ones where everything feels like too much, and the weight of it all makes you want to throw in the towel. I’ve been there, staring at the mountain ahead and wondering how I could possibly take another step.
One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn is that you don’t have to climb the entire mountain at once. Sometimes, it’s about finding a moment to breathe, taking the tiniest step forward, or holding on to a flicker of hope… even when it feels impossible.
If you’re in that space right now, I want you to know you’re not alone. Here are some of the unique ways I’ve learned to keep going, even on the hardest days.
1. Ask Yourself, “What’s My Next Best Step?”
When I feel completely overwhelmed, I’ve learned to stop looking at the big picture. Instead, I ask myself, “What’s the next thing I can do? May’be it’s standing up, sending a single text, or cuddling with my kids for five minutes. Focusing on the next best step helps shift my mind from “I can’t do this” to “I can do this one small thing.”
2. Write a “Done” List
On days when everything feels too much, I ditch the to-do list and write a “done” list instead. Even small things, like pouring a glass of water or waking up before the alarm, go on it. Seeing those little wins written down reminds me that progress… even tiny progress… counts.
3. Borrow Hope from Someone You Trust
When I can’t find my own hope, I borrow it from someone who believes in me. There have been countless times when I’ve leaned on my husband, my kids, or even friends in this community to remind me that I’m stronger than I feel. Hearing someone else’s encouragement has been the boost I needed to take that next step.
4. Create a “Pause Button” for Your Mind
When my thoughts feel overwhelming, I imagine pressing a pause button. I close my eyes, taking a deep breath, and picture the chaos in my head coming to a gentle stop. It doesn’t fix everything, but it gives me a moment to reset and remind myself that I don’t have to solve it all right now.
5. Find Comfort in the Familiar
There’s something about the familiar that feels grounding. On hard days, I’ve turned to favorite songs, old books, or even just snuggling up with my grandbaby. Those familiar comforts remind me that now everything is overwhelming… there’s still peace in the small things.
6. Set a Tiny Timer
Sometimes, when even starting feels impossible, I set a two-minute timer. Whether it’s folding one piece of laundry or journaling a single thought, this small action feels manageable. And more often than not, those two minutes turn into something more.
7. Let “Future You” Take Over
I often think about the version of myself I”m fighting for. “What would she be grateful for today?” Whether it’s a moment of self-care, tackling a small task, or just resting, picturing future me helps me feel like my efforts today have meaning.
8. Acknowledge What’s Weighing You Down
I’ve had to learn that naming my struggles doesn’t make me weak… it makes me human. Writing down my worries or sharing them with someone I trust has been one of the most freeing things I’ve done. It doesn’t fix everything, but it helps lighten the weight I carry alone.
9. Celebrate Showing Up
Some of my proudest moments are the ones where I simply showed up. Even when the day felt impossible, I got up, took a breath, and took one step forward. On those days, I remind myself… progress isn’t always big or fast… it’s simply not giving up.
One Step at a Time
If today feels like too much, know this… you don’t have to figure it all out right now. Take it one moment, one step at a time. You’ve made it through hard days before, and you can do it again. And if you need someone to remind you of your strength, our group is here for you. Together, we can keep going, one tiny step at a time.
