Finding My Feet: Taking One Step at a Time

Realizing that I couldn’t “put one foot in front of the other” was the direction I needed to find out how I could.

Maybe you’ve heard the phrase, “Put one foot in front of the other.” It’s about the power of taking one step or doing one task at a time, especially when things might be difficult. It’s about moving forward and making progress steadily and carefully.

It’s one among many mottos that might affect you. But for me, it’s been my guiding light with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

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The first steps forward

When I was first diagnosed, I had a very hands-on, labor-intensive career in healthcare, and I just couldn’t keep up. I was so overwhelmed and exhausted. I remember hearing someone say, “Put one foot in front of the other, and everything will work out.”

At this moment, I thought to myself, “But it won’t work out.” I really couldn’t think about “putting one foot in front of the other.” I felt like any step forward was only two steps back! I was trying my hardest, but I felt like I was being swallowed whole by everything going on.

While I didn’t realize it at the time, determining that I couldn’t put one foot in front of the other — whether figuratively or literally — was the first shining light of this motto. I knew something had to change.

So, I made a big decision to change specialty fields and go in a completely different direction. Only this way could I see myself taking steps forward in my life. I am so thankful for this decision, as it led me to where I am today in my career. This change to a less demanding career has allowed me to improve my health and is likely why I was able to enter RA remission finally.

From that day onward, I made the motto my own, telling myself, “Put one foot in front of the other, and be ready to pivot.”

The second steps

The second time I remember the effects of this motto was during my second pregnancy. This was a very challenging 10 months for me, as I had many pregnancy-related complications, untreated and constantly flaring RA, and another small child to care for at home.

I literally survived each day one breath at a time, one minute at a time, and one task at a time. I chanted over and over to “put one foot in front of the other,” and although I did not thrive, I certainly survived those 10 months thanks to this motto.

And the third

The most recent time I used this motto for inspiration was after an excessive amount of hair loss for a variety of reasons in the fall of 2023. It was affecting my mental health, and I couldn’t see how to improve the situation. So, one night, I simply cut it all off!

I not only put one foot in front of the other, but I totally pivoted and embraced a stylish, short bob. I am still loving it after about 4 months, too.

Whether swimming or walking, there’s always a way forward

When things get really tough, I often think back to the Disney movie “Finding Dory,” too. Dory’s mantra is, “Just keep swimming.” She uses this similar phrase to summon bravery and courage to continue on her challenging journeys.

This reminds me that sometimes you may not be able to step with a foot, but you may need to pivot and swim, using your feet in a different way than expected and approaching a challenge with a new perspective.