“One step at a time is all it takes to get you there.” – Emily Dickinson
“One step at a time.” That’s what I constantly tell myself with each new day of life. Thinking about the many tasks I need to do each day sometimes feels overwhelming, but then I remember that I cannot do everything, but I can do some things. After all, I remember that taking small steps does help move me forward. I feel like “one step at a time” has become my daily affirmation because it helps to take off the pressure of realizing that I don’t have to do it all. It challenges me to focus on the most important things that I need to get done within my day and move forward accordingly.
I started reading this new book, The Ruthlessness Elimination of Hurry, and I’ve been so challenged with my way of thinking and how life forces you to always feel like you need to be going fast and getting stuff done, but there is actually beauty in slowing down and navigating life with wisdom and strategy, and also just taking time to do nothing. Life for me, as a special needs mom, constantly feels chaotic, with all the therapy sessions, doctors’ appointments, house cleaning, cooking, taking care of myself, and the list goes on. If I think about it, I always have stuff to do, but in reality, if I take a step back and reflect, a lot of times I fill my schedule up with things I feel like I need to be doing instead of the things that are the most important.
I’ve been learning how to organize my day and always start first with my devotion and prayer time because that really helps to set the tone for my day. Within this I developed a routine that helps me not to get overwhelmed and remind me to go slow and one step at a time. I feel like my kids are more at peace with the routine also because it’s not rushed. It’s summer season so school is out, my two girls with special abilities are now out of extended school year so I’m on the clock full time. It’s been beautiful to sleep in on non therapy days, cook breakfast, get them dressed and take intentional time to rest in between so even I could have a break.
I give myself space to work out in between so that I can stay strong and in a good mental space. Even if they are outside with me as I work out, they really enjoy it. After I take time to do something fun with them, such as taking a ride on the bike, playing games, watching TV, or going for ice cream, every day is different. However, one thing that constantly stays in the back of my mind is to take it one step at a time.
In reality, my house is not always going to be spotless, so there’s no need to constantly clean up all day and drive myself crazy like I used to do. That’s too much pressure on me. I have learned to delegate and give my middle daughter some responsibility, but also to focus on a few areas to clean each day instead of doing the entire house and being exhausted and frustrated by the end of the day. Life has taught us that we constantly have to do things and be on the move, but that’s not realistic. God created us to have moments and times of rest and also to have the wisdom to move forward in our daily lives in peace and not in chaos.
Life sometimes gets heavy in this journey; there are days where I really feel the load of being a caregiver and carrying the weight of having to do everything for my daughters, who are wheelchair-dependent. I’m learning to give myself grace on those days and ask for help, which I am so grateful for, thanks to my support system, because they really come through when we need it. There are so many highs and lows throughout this journey, and I am so thankful for God’s wisdom and strength to help me through it, but also the people around me who are helping me and my family to fight this battle.
I don’t know exactly what your life may look like, but I want you to know that you are not alone when life seems chaotic. I challenge you to remember the affirmation I tell myself every day, “one step at a time.” We cannot do everything, but we can do the things that are most important to us. Even if that means taking time to rest. Like I stated earlier, I am so challenged by the book I have been reading. I’m learning how to go slow in life; I’m challenging myself not to be in a rush but to embrace life’s pace and give myself the grace and space to grow through it. Life and adulthood are hard, and I just want to let you know that it’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out. It’s a forever journey of growth, so be kind to yourself.
Here are three tips that have helped me find calm in my chaos:
- Write down the things that are the most important to you.
Figure out the exact things you need to get done within your day. Write down five things and focus on the top three. If you can finish the first three things, you are more than halfway there. Do whatever you can with the time you have, and if you don’t finish it all, it’s okay. Start on it the next day as number one.
2. What can you delegate or get someone to help you with.
Ask for help! We are not meant to do life alone. We need people in our corner that can help us to get stuff done. If you are overwhelmed don’t be afraid to ask for help, if the first person says no ask someone else until you get the help you need.
3. It’s okay if you don’t do anything
It’s completely okay if you have moments within your day where you are not doing anything. We really need those moments for our own mental sanity. I used to wonder why the older folks would sit on the porch and just do nothing sometimes. Now I understand they needed the peace and solitude. Life is a lot at times, and we need moments to process and rest.
Thank you so much for reading my blog post today. I hope this encourages you. Remember “One step at a time.” You cannot do everything, but you can do some things. Don’t allow life to stuff you out. Take a deep breath and move forward one step at a time.
What are some ways you find calm in the chaos?
Intentional Hope 