418: Push Through

Life Feels Heavy Sometimes—Here’s How We Keep Moving

Let’s be real—life gets messy. Some days it feels like everything is falling apart at once. In this post, I’m sharing a little behind-the-scenes from my own chaos lately (hint: I’m literally recording from my closet). But more importantly, I want to talk about how we move through these hard seasons instead of getting stuck in them.

Just like in running, pushing through life’s challenges isn’t about powering through blindly—it’s about building resilience, one step at a time.

When Life Feels Like Too Much

Ever have those days (or weeks) where it feels like nothing’s going right? That’s me right now. We’re in the middle of a bathroom remodel after a leak—and mold—took over. The house is upside down, and to be honest, it’s overwhelming.

But here’s the thing: life doesn’t wait for the chaos to settle. And neither does growth.

Running has taught me a lot over the years, but one of the biggest lessons — Keep moving. Even when it’s hard. Even when it’s uncomfortable. Life works the same way.

We don’t need to have everything figured out to keep going. We just need to focus on the next step.

I’m not saying you should ignore how you’re feeling. Quite the opposite. Whether you’re frustrated, sad, or just plain exhausted—it’s okay to feel that. Give yourself permission to be human. Then choose gratitude, even if it’s for something small, and let that gratitude help you move forward.

We always have a choice. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like it, like in this home situation. I didn’t choose to do this bathroom remodel — it was forced on us in a way because of the mold that we found. That can sometimes leave us feeling helpless, which is a quick way to move into inaction and freeze mode But again, that’s not where progress happens. We might not get to choose the situation, but we do get to choose how we respond.

“I have to deal with this” shifts to “I get to work through this.” That small mindset shift — It changes everything.

Zoom In, Zoom Out

One of my favorite techniques to use when I’m feeling overwhelmed is the Zoom Method. I don’t know if that’s what it’s actually called, but here is what you do. When you’re looking at all the things and feel overwhelmed, zoom in. What’s the next small thing you can do? You don’t need to look at the big picture all of the time. Zoom in, focus on the next step, and keep moving forward. 

Then, when you’re ready, zoom out. Look at the bigger picture. Sometimes the small details can seem overwhelming, and you feel like you have so many choices to make. Zoom out. Remember why you’re doing it all. Remember everything you have to be grateful for. Realize that this is just a season, and you will get through it, the same way you’ve gotten through everything else in your life so far that once felt like this.

Both perspectives matter and can be helpful at different times. Whether you're in mile 1 or mile 10, or just navigating life’s mess, this tool can help you keep moving forward.

Focus on the Next Right Step

This is what I’m telling myself right now, and what I remind my runners: focus on the next right step. Not the whole race. Not the finished house. Just what’s next. Progress, not perfection.

Life will always have its messy moments. You are stronger than you think. Running teaches us that resilience isn’t built in the easy miles—it’s built when we keep moving through the hard ones.

Whatever you’re facing right now, know this: you’re not alone. Together, we can embrace life’s chaos and find the strength to keep going—one step, one breath, one choice at a time.

If this resonates with you, share your thoughts or send me a message over on Instagram @realliferunners. I’m here cheering for you—on the run, and in life. 💛