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When life knocks us down, we have two choices:
We either remain stuck or get back up.
But the struggle mainly lies in getting back up. Moving forward is not easy; it’s far more difficult than falling.
Especially when we’re dealing with a lot at once, it gets harder and harder to focus on a single issue. We feel we’re being pulled in different directions, and no matter how hard we try to stop our problems, we only keep perpetuating them.
I’ve had a rocky start this year. Some things have taken an unexpected turn, leaving me feeling that the whole world is against me. That’s the harsh truth: not everything goes according to plan.
I’ve been struggling to stay grounded and hopeful. Ever since 2026 began, I’ve felt a weird sense of chaos within me that’s hard to tame. That’s what happens when life throws us a curveball. We become emotionally disoriented, start blaming others, and get stuck in an endless loop of self-pity.
The thing about challenges is that they paralyze us. Even if we think we know the solution, we just keep overthinking. Fear and hopelessness stop us in our tracks and make us think that fixating on the problem might actually solve it.
Oftentimes, overthinking the problem hurts us more than the problem itself. When we give in to the emotions that challenges trigger within us, we lose the ability to make sound decisions. Emotionally fueled decisions are risky and often lead to impulsive actions.
Over the past six months, I have found a better way to handle challenges. Instead of focusing on the problem, I focus on today—my present moment. I know it’s obvious, but we can’t control tomorrow and its uncertainties.
One day at a time.
I’ve been repeating this mantra regularly. It calms me down and grounds me. It helps me remember that I may not be able to solve all my problems now, but I can soothe my anxious thoughts by taking small steps every day.
I check what can wait. I examine what’s pressing. I prioritize progress—even if it’s small. To be honest, this approach has filled me with hope in challenging times. I realize that I’m the only one responsible for my happiness, so I need to be mindful of my actions.
Whenever my problems overwhelm me, I remember to take things “one day at a time.” I can’t fix everything at once. I accept life’s toughest challenges and trust that they will eventually dissipate.
If you feel anxious or sad, choose presence over happiness. Because, sooner or later, staying in the present moment will lead to genuine happiness. Acknowledging reality—regardless of how ugly it may get—helps you to make better decisions. You’ve got this.
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author: Elyane Youssef
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