One Day At A Time

 

Hundred thoughts in mind, thousands of tasks to complete, nothing is going in your way, practically everything feels doomed. You don't know what to do, what not to do and can't understand why you can't do or can't get something whatsoever, however hard you try! Feels like you are in a dead end. Days are exhaustive, and you feel burnt out. Anxious about the future, especially if you are a final year student and you get next into higher studies or enter the job market. You feel like only you are in a standstill while the other's boat are swiftly moving beside yours  and much worse with added family, societal, and peer pressure with haunting desperation for financial independence. Listen, if any of you are going through any of these, you are not alone.

Hey all, Happy 2026. How have you all been? I hope and wish all are happy and healthy. For me, the year did not start on a good note. I have had my share of setbacks and rejections in academic internships. A complete detour of my plans. I felt miserable at times but now, if I look back it all feels okay, and a few days back, my mother rightly pointed it out, whatever happens, happens for good and with a reason. Now, when I connect dots backwards, I feel relaxed about the missed opportunities cause that would not have allowed me to experience what I am living now, today, at this point in time. 

A year back, when I used to work full-time, I had a mentor who had this very quote, 'One day at a time' tattooed on her arm. I never understood the significance of it, and today I feel I understand it better than anyone else and literally I have made it to sink into my system for my own sanity. She was a very dynamic, powerhouse kind of boss lady and used to manage a lot of things. I used to wonder what might have made her get that very simple quote tattooed on her arms and click to the present moment, I deeply understand why she might have done so and currently it is my life mantra!

No two consecutive days are the same. Some days are normal, monotonous, some are utter nonsense, some are happy and some can be painful. Getting overwhelmed is very easy and natural but trying to come out of it early is very important. Don't let it marinate for a longer time! Each one of us have our own coping mechanism. Some of us write, some of us stress eat, some of us talk to our friends, so on and so forth. But at times when you are the one who does all these but yet can't do all of it, that is when you have to seriously consider talking to someone, be it your mentor, a loved one, a best friend, or a professional mental health counsellor, and it becomes very important to get back to your 'self'.

As I write this I am reminded of a quote from my favourite book: "I give myself a good cry if I need it, but then I concentrate on all good things still in my life" (From 'Tuesdays with Morrie') and that is exactly what I do. One of my literature professors from my undergrad days had made me realise that 'crying' is not weakness and more so, it is the biggest strength! That way you let out emotions and don't allow it to get bottled up. 
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
I write! The picture I have attached in this blog is from my journal, and how wonderful and coincidental that even the cover page of it says 'One day at a time'. 
I talk to my mentor(s) and in fact it is my 'Morrie' who reminds me of it day in and day out, to take one thing at a time, one day at a time :) Because life lately has become so overwhelming, I feel panicky a lot of times. When certain things are not in your control, let go of the thought surrounding it also, cause when that thing is not in your hand it must be out of your mind too. Letting go of things, thoughts and people gives so much peace and sometimes it is necessary for your wellbeing. The faster we understand it, the better mental health we all can experience. 

I share my thoughts with my friends. A close circle but a quality one. That reassurance from them boosts up you in ways you can't even imagine. That one hug from them can make you feel loved and considered. 

I create art. Be it music, dance or mandala art. It helps me concentrate on the present moment and at the core they also scream the same message, one thing at a time! It calms my mind from within and gives me joy beyond words.
Taking breaks from the routine also helps at times, to keep you grounded. Doing mundane jobs may be boring but it truly feels meditative when you have an ocean of turmoil inside.
As you read through this, I just want you to know that you are not alone. Many are in cross paths and are questioning their life choices by choosing 'The Road not Taken'. But it all gets better and it will all work out. Next time you feel overwhelmed, try doing some of the things that I have shared here from my life; it might help you :)

That being said, if you or someone you know is looking for professional help, I am leaving behind the contact details of my very dear friend, a practising psychologist whom you can approach, because remember, 'Asking for help is the bravest thing you can do as an individual'. As Professor Dumbledore from Harry Potter says, 'Help will always be given, but only to those who ask for it'.

Contact her for any professional mental health counseling: Dhyan Counseling

Reading helps a lot with refocusing your thought processes and getting fresh POVs and realising the old ones. Here, my friend, a literature graduate, has started her webpage to share her writings. Consider subscribing to it and reading them if you find time:  Ink and Intuition

If you found this blog insightful, or just gave you a sigh of relief, or sparked the idea of how to get back to your senses when you feel overwhelmed the next time, give it a like and subscribe to my blog page, and please do comment down below as to how you cope when you feel overwhelmed, reading it can help many, including me. Do share this blog with your overthinking friend and ask them to take deep breaths and remind them to take 'One day at a time'!

Until next time, Take care!
Bye:)