by Erica Elliott
“What if this is as good as it gets?” The question haunted me as I lay on the couch, overwhelmed by a crushing migraine and fatigue. As a woman of faith, I’ve witnessed miracles, but after months of relentless pain, life felt unbearable. How could this be my reality?
I’ve always served others—as a counselor, coach, and in the military. Helping people has been my passion for over 30 years. Despite knowing others who lost their lives to COVID-19, I couldn’t help but feel defeated. Each day became harder. The more I pushed, the worse I felt, a stark contrast to my military training, where persistence was the key to success.
When I contracted COVID-19 in November 2020, I didn’t slow down. I kept working, helping clients cope with their issues. I told myself they needed me; I had no idea what that was doing to my body.
My optimism, usually my strength, began to crumble. I cried out to God, feeling lost. Doctors and Specialists —no one had answers. Diagnosed with Post Covid Syndrome hyperkalemia, migraines, hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue and more, I was a shadow of my former self.
Then, everything began to change when I shifted my focus to small, manageable actions—what I now call micro steps.
The Power of Micro Moments
Accepting that pushing through wasn’t the answer was difficult. Instead, I embraced micro steps—tiny actions taken in micro time. These small efforts allowed me to start rebuilding without overwhelming myself.
Here are a few strategies that helped me find hope:
1. Treat Yourself as a Friend: Be kind to yourself. If a friend were struggling, you wouldn’t criticize them. The same goes for self-talk. Negative thoughts only make things worse.
2. Seek Divine Guidance: I asked God for direction, and solutions began to appear—new tools, supplements, or techniques that helped me move forward.
3. Advocate for Yourself: Doctors do their best with the knowledge they have, but it’s crucial to keep searching until you find the right support. Don’t settle—keep asking questions.
4. Micro Time Chunking: Break tasks into small time chunks. I set a timer for 15 minutes to work on a task, followed by a 30-45 minute rest. This approach helped my brain recognize success, boosting my spirits bit by bit.
5. Redefine Your Identity: You are not your diagnosis. Surround yourself with positive, encouraging people. Avoid groups that dwell on problems, as they can trap you in a cycle of negativity.
6. Get Out of the House: Even stepping outside for a few minutes can make a difference. Explore your surroundings, take mini-vacations, and break the monotony of being indoors.
7. Find a Mentor or Coach: We’re not meant to navigate life alone. Having a counselor, coach, or mentor can be transformative.
Embracing the New Normal
Once I accepted that this might be as good as it gets, I found peace in micro moments. Micro time chunking, micro learning, and micro healing became the foundation of my new normal. Like someone recovering from a stroke, I learned to find joy, fulfillment, and purpose again, one tiny step at a time.
If you’re struggling, know that hope exists in the smallest of moments. By embracing micro steps, you can create a life that’s fulfilling, even if it looks different from what you once knew. The key is to settle into this new norm and find bliss in the micro moments. Little by little, you’ll discover that even if this is as good as it gets, it can still be good.
Commentaires