Life at times can seem to be in a whirlwind with so many things happening all at once. When life is like this it is no wonder we can feel swept off our feet and spinning like we are in the tornado with Dorothy and Toto in ‘The Wizard of Oz’. However, my following survival guide for getting through these times of severe weather suggests: to take the journey step by step, get things done bit by bit and get through what is ahead day by day!
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. “
Bible Verse: Matthew 6: verse 34 (NIV NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION)
Taking life one day at a time to get through what lies ahead!
During much worse times in my past the song ‘One day at a time sweet Jesus’ really helped me get through the dark days. It is a popular old school song and there are so many versions of it, all sang in different musical genres: from gospel to country.
I have many versions saved to my Helen’s Journey YouTube Channel playlist to listen to when I need uplifting or encouraging. (Click HERE to go to this playlist & take a listen.)
The spiritual ‘One Day at a Time’ encouragement comes from Godly instruction found in the Bible not to worry about tomorrow, just to focus on today. The Message Bible Translation (MSG) puts Bible verses into everyday language making it easier for people of all ages to follow and understand – here is how the verse is translated in the MSG Bible:
“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” – Matthew 6:34 MSG
Taking life’s journey step by step when you are feeling overwhelmed!
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase”
Martin Luther King Jr
When it seems like you don’t know which way to turn, you are unsure of what lies ahead or which of the many paths to take – the confusion, stress or uncertainty can cause us to suddenly stand still and freeze on the spot.
Don’t get me wrong I’m all for using the ‘pause button’ in life when it is needed, but even in those pauses we still need movement such as reflecting, researching options, praying, getting advice etc.
However, sometimes we press ‘stop’ when instead we should just keep going forward taking it step by step, no matter how slowly we go. Then in time the path’s direction will become clearer and you only start seeing the route because you kept on moving!
Breaking down tasks ‘bit by bit’ so you get them done ‘one by one’!
This is something living with chronic illness gives you no choice but to learn how to do, however, it is a good strategy for everyone to incorporate in times of overwhelming activity lists and demands. We can feel emotionally, mentally and physically drained when we feel stretched in every direction and heavy burdened with things that need doing.
Looking at our ‘to do list’ which seems never-ending can be overwhelming. So learning to break down those lists into what needs doing urgently and what can wait till later is a big help. Then, take the most urgent thing and try to concentrate just on doing that thing. Facing tasks bit by bit helps you tick them off one by one, rather than feeling unable to concentrate on doing any of them because you know how many more things are on the list to still do!
KEEP ON MOVING: Progress comes from movement, no matter the pace!
– Helen’s Journey Blog
There are times in life when for some the only way to get through the days step by step is to break this down further and get by breathe by breathe, tablet by tablet, treatment by treatment, appointment by appointment. This is still progress as we are still making movement, we are still trying, we are still actively getting through. So chronic illness warriors do not forget your strength and progress by comparing it to those who aren’t in the same position as you!
Remember you don’t have to see the whole path in front of you, just concentrate on doing the most important thing that will get you around the corner to see the next steps needed to move along the path. Before you know it, you’ll be down your ‘to-do list’ faster than you thought!
Finding your personal rhythm and your own pace for getting through the race ahead is needed to keep us going and not just giving up or buying our heads in the sand. Life is always going to throw things at us all at once, bog us down, overwhelm us etc. But, the most important thing is not to stop completely, progress is made through movement no matter how slowly you go when moving step by step, bit by bit and one day at a time!
RECOMENDED READING: Click on blog titles below to open posts individually in a new window:
> Need more encouragement for facing hard times in life? Then read my postFacing Your Giants! How to be as confident & bold as David, in defeating your life’s Goliath. to give you a dose of self belief, self encouragement, courage and bravery in the face of all the big things in life you may have ahead.
> Remember the imprtance of taking time out to breathe and re-centre yourself, Click for a reminder: “TIME, REST, BREATH” The important need to simply stop, rest, just be & breath!
> If you are feeling overwhelmed in life why not read my post all about how we can use focus words, goal setting and promises to ourselves to keep us focussed on where we want to be heading in life: Handy ways to get prepared, focused and be ready for all that is ahead!
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