Even Baby Steps Are Steps

It’s happened to most of us…that shift in trajectory, that experience which you know will forever change the way you see things – the world – your life – even your purpose.

In an instant, it seems as if everything is different.

Permanently changed.

And often, in ways one cannot grasp immediately. Yet, there it is.

This unchangeable change. Unwanted change.

Sometimes, it is the loss of a loved one. Sometimes, it is the awareness of a shift in health. Sometimes, it is the changing family roles, or work responsibilities. Sometimes, it is financial changes. Or even world events.

We are forever changed.

First might come the shock, the ‘how did this happen,’ or ‘how can this be?’

There might also be a bit of denial, ‘this cannot be happening,’ or ‘maybe this didn’t happen?’

There might even be anger or blaming ‘it’s all so and so’s fault!’

There could even be questioning of self or a higher power, ‘why is this happening to me?’ or ‘Why would [a higher power] allow for this, or do this?’

It is in these moments where our ‘anchors’ can be very helpful. Even foundational. Leaning in to those old core beliefs, the ones we often put aside as we try so hard to simply navigate our busy day-to-day. Those core beliefs, which seem simple when life is easy, and yet so challenging, when it gets hard.

Foundational.

Family.

Friends.

Faith or ethical constructs.

Self-care.

The question becomes, where to start.

Perhaps begin with breath. Just one breath. Slow. Steady. Breath. And then, one more. And again. And again.

Then, perhaps just one phone call to one support person. Can’t call? Then text. One word. One text. And then, again.

Someone once said, ‘even baby steps are steps.’

When those life events occur, which create the unchangeable change, the unwanted change, when you feel paralyzed, afraid and unsure, maybe just try for the baby steps.

And breathe.

© 2026: Donna J Clarke/Integrative Pathways Counseling, LLC. All rights reserved.