overcoming challenges
I stand at the bottom of these stairs. My heart is pounding, my lungs are furiously drawing air and my muscles are burning. I look down at the hike I took to get to this point, up a continuous incline. I look up at what I have to accomplish, feeling tired, knowing there is one last stretch…the hardest one of uneven, deep steps. I turn my head to the side as people pass me, feeling my eyes fill with tears of embarrassment….I feel like I want to stop and give up…
This hike is one I have done many times before and will do many times again. While challenging, it is not the only challenge I have experienced in my life. It is not even close to the hardest challenge I have faced or that I see my loved ones facing. What this hike is for me is a representation of overcoming a challenge.
There are issues that we have to face in life – some physical, some mental, some both. The challenge may be brief or life long. Sometimes we have little control over the situation. However, we must continue to take steps forward to overcome or even survive.
There is no one formula for overcoming a challenge. So much depends on the person, the situation and contributing factors. But for me, I think there are few things that help:
Breathe. Simple, huh? But so often forgotten. Obviously, we keep breathing because we aren’t passing out but it is often unconscious and not felt. When facing a challenge, I find that if I stop even for just a moment and breathe…I feel grounded.
Take breaks. Sometimes you just need to stop and regroup.
Focus on taking one step at a time. I know that for me, sometimes if I look at something as the big picture – I feel overwhelmed and lose sight of what I need to do. But if I break a challenge up into small pieces – for example, one flight of stairs or one task for a day – it feels much more manageable.
Reach out for support – whether it is your spouse, family, friend, therapist, doctor, pet or stranger who is panting for air next to you on the steps – they want you to succeed and they will be there how they can.
So I keep taking steps up the stairs. I stop and breathe and take my time. And I make it to the top. I look down at what I accomplished and feel so proud of myself. I feel just a bit stronger and know that I cannot give up. I can overcome.
Dedicated to Keith – thank you for reminding me to always keep one foot planted on the ground and to breathe.
