There are days when the weight of everything feels just too much. On those days, I often challenge myself to channel my “inner Dory” from Finding Nemo. Remember her famous line? “Just keep swimming.” It sounds simple, but it’s been one of the most powerful reminders for me in moments of struggle. Sometimes life doesn’t require us to have all the answers or to fix everything all at once. Sometimes, it’s about taking that next small step, even if you don’t know exactly where it will lead. When I get stuck in the past, or when fear about the future threatens to overwhelm me, I remind myself to just keep swimming. I take things moment by moment, focusing on the next step rather than the whole daunting path. Even if it feels like you’re not moving fast or you’re not making big progress, just the act of moving forward, no matter how slowly, is enough. And like Dory, even when I don’t feel like it, I try to stay positive, remembering that no matter how difficult things get, I’ve survived 100% of my toughest days so far.
What I’ve learned, through both personal experience and reflection, is that it’s not just about weathering the highs and lows—it’s about finding the moments in between. The in-between is where balance lives. It’s where we get to pause, breathe, and reset our perspective. The moments when we aren’t stressed, not excited, but just present. As simple as letting a dog outside before bedtime. It’s when you have the time to actually reflect on where you are, what you’ve learned, and how far you’ve come … and then you do it. These moments may seem small, but they’re powerful. They allow us to recognize that life isn’t just a series of extreme highs or devastating lows; it’s a flow of experiences that all carry value, regardless of how they may feel in the moment.
I would be remiss if I didn’t share practical strategies to weather the preverbal ca-ca storm. These are easier said than done. Practicing them when you aren’t in a moment of high stress can make them easier to access when you are. It’s like learning to drive in ice by practicing at the Subway Shopping Center when you’re a kid and the area’s closed and your dad says “Pooh we should figure this out before you really need it”.
Mindfulness in the Moment. One of the simplest (and hardest) ways to regain balance is by practicing mindfulness. Take a deep breath, and pay attention to your surroundings. Focus on what’s in front of you, not what’s looming ahead. When you notice your mind drifting into worry, gently bring it back to the present moment. This can help calm the chaos and make the weight of your challenges feel a little less heavy. I’m notorious for taking off my shoes in my most stressful moment. Grounding my feet to the cold, the earth and focusing only on that.
Reframe Negative Thoughts. When the “what ifs” take over, challenge them. Ask yourself: What’s the actual evidence that this fear will come true? Most of the time, the worst-case scenario we imagine never comes to pass. Reframing your thoughts allows you to break the cycle of negative thinking and regain control.
Embrace Small WinsLife’s big challenges can be overwhelming, but success is often found in the small, incremental steps we take. Celebrate each win—whether it’s a tough conversation, a task completed, or just getting through the day without succumbing to stress. These moments matter. “I did not throw up on the doctor”.
Create Space for ReflectionMake time for reflection, whether through journaling, meditation, or just a quiet walk. Reflecting on your experiences helps you build emotional resilience and recognize patterns. You’ll be better equipped to handle future challenges and notice moments of peace amidst the chaos. Some people start a blog to share their life of perceived in sanity.
Let Go of Perfection. There’s no such thing as perfect balance. Life isn’t about maintaining a flawless equilibrium—it’s about adjusting, re-centering, and forgiving yourself when things go off track. Accepting that imperfection is part of the process can take the pressure off and allow you to move forward with more ease. Ha! Let me know if you’ve perfected this one, because “Do Better” is always the back ground music in my head.
If nothing else, my life has taught me that life’s challenges are inevitable. But here’s the good news: by focusing on the in-between moments, by learning to balance the highs and lows, we grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient. It’s the moments of struggle that often teach us the most about ourselves and our capacity for perseverance. The search for the sanity in the madness.
So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by life’s uncertainties, remember: the highs and the lows may shape you, but it’s how you navigate the space in between that truly defines your strength. And even when your mind pulls you into familiar but dark places, trust that you have the power to shift your focus and break free.
You are not alone, even in your darkest moments. We all have our struggles, but we also have the strength to face them and grow through them. Keeping our sanity is what we all must do. I have found I am stronger than I think, and I’m sure you are too. There is light ahead, even if it’s hard to see right now.