Tending the Fire - One Step at a Time
I have a small whiteboard hanging in my office. In February I wrote on the board “One step at a time”. I’ve since erased that intention and written another, only to replace it with “One step at a time.” As the year comes to a close, “One step at a time” has once again become my guiding light.
“One step at a time” helps keep the overwhelm at bay. Overwhelm and anxiety tend to sneak up when we’re living in the future– swimming in hypothetical to-do lists or worst-case scenarios that are mere figments of our imagination but can feel very real in our bodies. Sadly, future-dwelling overwhelm can be enough to stop us before we even begin, and that’s a real shame.
“One step at a time” has been helpful for me in so many ways– with matters close to the heart like growing our family, professional projects like building a brand, home projects like organizing the closet, and everything in between.
I wanted to write about this topic this month because I’ve had several conversations lately about this very subject. It seems we could use a collective reminder.
I place before you a handful of questions and affirmations that have been supportive in exploring this topic in client sessions. If you’re in need, I hope you find them helpful too:
What would it mean to focus on *this step only*?
You don’t need to have all the answers.
It’s understandable to worry about the future. How might you acknowledge the worry, without living in it?
You are capable of meeting this moment and you will be capable of meeting other moments as they arise too.
It’s ok to say “I’ll cross that bridge if/when we get there” (reminder: it’s impossible to envision and plan for every potential bridge. Can you trust yourself to meet bridges as they come?).
Let’s take three deep breaths together. In through the nose, out through the mouth.
Focusing on one step at a time is not the same thing as burying your head in the sand. It’s choosing to be present and mindful in this moment.
Taking things one step at a time is a way to practice being present in the current moment. You’ve likely heard the recommendation to practice presence a million times. I know I have, and yet, it remains just that– something to keep practicing. As we move through the holidays and end of the year, I hope you go gently and kindly with yourself. One step at a time, dearest reader.
I’m rooting for you.
With warmth from this moment to yours,
Shannah 🤍
Nurtured Founder & Coach
Your turn! Let’s check in. The following questions are here as a way to tend your fire.
Remember, this doesn’t have to be a big time commitment to be helpful. If it feels good, put on a song, pick one question from the list, and noodle until the song ends.
Which of the affirmations or questions listed above resonate with me?
How might I incorporate that question or affirmation into my daily life?
In what area(s) of my life am I taking things “one step at a time?”
How is that supportive for me?
Where in my life might future-thinking and overwhelm be holding me back?
What might be different if I were to approach that topic with a “one step at a time” mentality?
One thing I can and will do to nurture myself in this moment is:
Big bravo for taking the time to explore, check in, and tend your own fire. 🔥 If you would like to have your responses witnessed, I would be delighted to receive them! Email me anytime at shannah@gonurtured.com.
Could you use a thought-partner to quiet the overwhelm? Let’s slow it down together and cultivate the presence you’re looking for. Get in touch today!