“Change is in the minutia. When times are hard, focus on the baby steps.” ~LMB
In the hardest of times, we often forget the little things. When life feels overwhelming, remember to BREATHE. Breathe. Slow yourself down, tune in, and ground yourself. Take as many deep breaths as you need to feel more centered and grounded.
Once more grounded, consider the issue(s) creating the most significant stress/pain/upset and brainstorm possible forward-moving steps. Break it down. Focusing on the minutia of change will move you quicker than focusing on the overwhelming end goal. Each overwhelm, crisis, or despair gets more manageable when you break it down into tiny steps needed to overcome the crisis.
Next, choose one small step you can take on this day, at this time, and focus on completing that step. One small step could be brainstorming and listing 25 possible action steps. Another step could be avoiding ruminating on negative thoughts by noticing them and letting them pass—or actively saying “STOP” whenever you’re conscious of a negative thought pulling you down. If you need to find a job yet feel paralyzed about getting it, a small step can be to do an online search first.
Regardless of the stuck point for you, always remember that the way out is to move through one baby step at a time. Trust that you can—even when every fiber of your being isn’t sure you can. Take the most minor step possible if you have to—AND—take it. Slow down, breathe, and keep on moving.
Challenge: The way out of any crisis is to move through it. Focus on the steps you need to take and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Notice the fear, recognize the voices saying you “can’t”—and—do it anyway. You have everything you need within you: tap into your strength.
