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Nourishing Body & Soul

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  • Writer's pictureTracy Astle

Do What You CAN Do: Tips from Frankl & MLK




Sometimes life feels like a lot. When it does, it can leave us feeling powerless, maybe even hopeless. When life throws us curveballs, it's easy to get trapped in a cycle of negative thinking, like there's nothing we can do. In this post, we'll explore the concept of finding what is in our power - what we can do.


Life can be tough, and at times, it might feel like we're up against insurmountable odds. In those moments, it's crucial to remember that there's always something within our power, even if it's just a tiny step forward. This topic is important because it reminds us that we can regain a sense of control and hope.


What We DO

  1. Give It Two Minutes: Sometimes, the hardest part is taking the first step. Whether it's a task that needs doing, a personal goal, or a project at work, commit to starting, even if it's just for two minutes. Starting is often the most challenging but most rewarding step. Whether we find the gumption to keep going after those two minutes or give it two and then stop, we'll still get those positive vibes from what we did.

  2. "Do What You CAN Do": Recognize that there are actions you can take, even if you can't change the entire situation. Focus on the aspects that are within your control, and do that. For the rest, put them on the shelf for the time being.

  3. A Body in Motion: Remember, the idea that a body in motion tends to stay in motion doesn't only apply to physical objects; it's about momentum. Once you start, you're more likely to keep going. Small actions can lead to significant changes over time as we start to build momentum in our lives.

  4. Give Yourself Grace and Time: Be patient and compassionate with yourself. Change and progress often take time, and setbacks are a natural part of any journey.

What We THINK

Viktor E. Frankl, the author of "Man's Search for Meaning," once said, "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, understood the power of choosing one's attitude in the face of unimaginable circumstances. Although we may be looking for what action we can take, often the most powerful and effective action can be to change our thinking.


He also emphasized, "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."


No matter what we may or may not be able to control, we always have the power to examine our thinking and change it as necessary.


Most of all, give yourself all the grace you need. It's okay not to have all the answers, and it's okay to take small steps. In fact, it's often the small steps that lead to the most significant transformations.


Martin Luther King, Jr. said this, "Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase." We may not always see where our little actions may lead, but we can trust our journey and take the little step.


In times of hardship, remember the power of baby steps. They might feel insignificant on their own, but collectively, they can move mountains. When you feel overwhelmed, remind yourself that there's always something within your power. Embrace the philosophy of "doing what you can do," and, most importantly, be kind to yourself along the way. The littlest of steps can lead to profound change, and every step you take is a testament to your inner strength.


For more encouragement, give THIS podcast episode a listen.

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