One Step at a Time
November 27, 2024
Writer: Talya Appelbaum
Editor: Sara Tweed
I find myself calling my mom each week, stressing about every little thing I have on my plate. Her immediate response is always “One step at a time, Tals”. But honestly, what does this even mean?
In many ways, the fall semester is organically taxing: we’re leaving home, starting classes, and adjusting to the new year. As I navigate the beginning of school, I find myself desperate for routine, creating a rigid schedule that supposedly will solve all of my problems. I pack my days full with classes, assignments, and social events, convinced that this structure will help me regain control.
Transitioning from high school to college, I’ve noticed that my “steps” present themselves differently. In high school, things felt more manageable and approachable. In college, I often feel compelled to excel in every aspect of life, which can lead to that familiar sensation of burnout.
As I speak with my mom, her calmness and sense of ease instantly soothe this overwhelming feeling. She encourages me to view life through a steadier, more accomplishable lens, reminding me to focus on the present rather than the future.
I often grapple with how to integrate this approach into my daily life. Sometimes it looks like an assignment checklist or writing down my goals for the day. Sometimes it just means having a slow morning and enjoying my breakfast instead of rushing out the door. This can seem so intuitive and obvious that it often gets lost in translation. It can be easy to forget to take small steps, to be patient with yourself and your surroundings. Don’t let this lesson slip away. Let “one step at a time” mold itself to you and your needs. Let it become part of the person you are working to become.
I am working to become someone who seeks each step with patience and poise. One step at a time empowers me to take each step with care, encouraging me to pursue each day with intention and purpose.
With these words in mind, I find myself more at ease with the chaos that often accompanies the start of a new year. It’s okay to stumble along; each small step is still a step forward. I hold tightly to my mom’s wise words, undertaking life one step at a time.
Image: Erin Lee
