Small Steps

All of us –without exception– go through difficult periods and sometimes even substantial crises in our lives. We feel like we are on a ship without an anchor, we feel hopelessness and powerlessness. Sometimes we just feel blue without any reason, other times we have to overcome a loss and hardship.

We feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and burnt out. What to do?

My grandmother once gave me this tip, this week, right before I could drive myself mad with worrying, I remembered it:

When times are difficult, move on in small steps.

Do what you need to do, but do it slowly.

Don’t think about the future or what might happen tomorrow.

Clean the dishes.

Wipe dust.

Walk the dog.

Write a letter.

Cook a soup.

You see?

You move forward, step by step.

Take a step and then take a break.

Rest.

Appreciate yourself.

Take the next step.

Then another.

You will hardly notice it, but the number of your steps will add up and the time will come when you can think about the future again without crying, without worrying.

So much wisdom!

14 Comments

  1. Unknown's avatar hbsuefred said:

    Just read this and really needed it when I did!

    November 28, 2022
    Reply
    • You have no idea how much I needed it when I posted it 🙂

      November 28, 2022
      Reply
  2. Unknown's avatar Debra said:

    This is really useful advice, Bridget. I am sure we can ALL benefit from what it has to offer. Thank you!

    November 26, 2022
    Reply
    • Slowing down and not overthinking it makes so much sense. I just wish I would remember it quicker. 🙂

      November 27, 2022
      Reply
  3. Good sound advice which has stood the test of time!

    November 23, 2022
    Reply
  4. Unknown's avatar Forestwood said:

    I do appreciate these kinds of wisdoms. Immensely practical advice, given from the vantage point of lived experiences. Breaking down anything difficult into smaller steps is a sound strategy but can indeed apply to stress and worry. I love that she incorporated rest and breaks and appreciate yourself as well as examples of things to ground a person racked with negative thoughts.

    November 23, 2022
    Reply
  5. Unknown's avatar Anne said:

    Excellent advice – it is good of you to spread it around.

    November 23, 2022
    Reply
  6. Unknown's avatar Michele Lee said:

    My grandmother’s words often find me too. Thank you for sharing yours.

    November 22, 2022
    Reply
  7. Unknown's avatar Lilly D said:

    Apt advice for anxiety as most of us go through it from time to time. Thank you, Bridget! 😊

    November 22, 2022
    Reply
  8. Unknown's avatar Chaya Sheela said:

    What a sound advice!
    Best wishes.

    November 22, 2022
    Reply
  9. Unknown's avatar JoAnna said:

    Excellent and practical advice! I’m glad she included rest.

    November 22, 2022
    Reply
  10. Very sound advice from your grandmother. It works well for me whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed.

    November 22, 2022
    Reply

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