There are a lot of things we can and can’t change in our lives. We all go through challenges that bring about change, and many of us struggle with these types of changes. We fear that we won’t be able to overcome certain challenging situations. But the thing about change is that it’s a slow process. It doesn’t happen all at once.
Change comes from living life in the present – taking one step at a time.
What We CAN Change
Are there things you want to change in your life right now?
Do you ever find yourself getting impatient or frustrated when you want change to happen?
It’s easy to fall into this trap.
While thinking big can be a great way to start, in most cases, change happens one step at a time. That’s why it’s so important to take things step by step, moment by moment. When we remember this, we allow ourselves to be in the present moment, reclaim our true power, and eliminate a great deal of unnecessary worry, pain, and suffering.
As Lao-tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one single step.” Although we all know this and have heard some version of this saying many times, the challenge for many of us is to remember it and live it on a daily basis.
How to Practice Living One Step at a Time
Here are a few things you can do to practice living one step at a time:
1) Make a list of some of the things you want to change, alter, or improve right now.
First of all, it’s important to remember that none of these changes will, in and of themselves, make you happy (only you can do that for yourself).
That said, positive change can be a wonderfully exciting and empowering thing for us to engage in and experience. Identifying what you want to change specifically is an essential first step.
2) With each of these important things you want to change, think of some simple, small steps you can take that will move you in the direction you truly want.
If you get stuck with any of these, ask for help. Keep things simple. Identify specific goals, break down the steps, and most importantly avoid self judgment. Try not to let your ego interfere. Remember that every small action contributes to a larger goal.
3) Celebrate each step of the way.
As you notice yourself making different choices, having new thoughts, and taking small, positive steps towards the changes you want; celebrate. And, if you find yourself forgetting, falling back into old patterns, or unable to take some of these simple actions, celebrate yourself for your awareness and honor your desire to change. Either way, celebrating and appreciating yourself is essential to the process.
By remembering what we can change and how change truly works, we’re able to create true miracles in our lives – one step at a time.
What are you working on changing right now? How can you shift your focus to “one step at a time?” How do you think this will serve and support you? Share your thoughts, ideas, insights, and more on my blog below.
Liked this article? Here are three more!
Stop ‘Shoulding’ On Yourself
We’re All Doing the Best We Can
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Looks like we are thinking along the same lines this week. I was just writing about taking the first step on that Journey…
https://barelynoticeable.com/2010/09/22/a-journey-of-a-thousand-miles/
I”m learning and practicing how to treasure each moment, and not be sad about “what could have been”. After 9 years of infertility and more miscarriages than I care to mention, I don’t know where we are headed next. So I”m trying to just stay in the moment, and appreciate my life, my husband, my body, and our home, knowing that we’ll figure out our next steps soon (though I”m avoiding them today!). I woke up to a phone call from my husband saying “just look outside. even if you HAD complaints today, who would listen when the world is so beautiful?”
I like the message. It really reminds me to slow down and enjoy each moment of my life time. I’m glad that I found your post, it really gave some things to think about. Thanks.