Overwhelmed to Unstoppable: Resilience Everyone Who Feels the Strain

Resilience to Keep Climbing When Life Gets Tough

Kathleen Thorne RN, LMT

Jan 17, 2025

Article voiceover

1×

0:00

-1:46

man in black shorts climbing brown rock formation during daytime — Photo by Sean Benesh on Unsplash

Life? It’s basically a never-ending hike up a mountain range.

You don’t just conquer one peak and call it a day. Nope.

You get to the top, celebrate for about three seconds, spot an even taller mountain ahead, and think, “Well, here we go again.”

That’s life—a constant climb. And honestly? That’s what makes it so damn worth it.

But let’s not sugarcoat it. The climb can be brutal. Mud, rain, unexpected detours—it’s all part of the deal.

And you can’t just wing it up the mountain. You need to be prepared—mind, body, spirit - the whole package.

So…are you ready?

Step 1: Fuel Your Body (Physical Health)

Let’s face it: You can’t hike a mountain on Cheetos and vibes.

Your body is your ride, your machine, your engine—and if it’s running on fumes, good luck making it out of the parking lot, let alone to the summit.

Here’s where to start:

• Move like it’s fun, not punishment. Hate the gym? Cool.

Dance in your living room, race your dog (spoiler: you’ll lose), or take a victory lap around the office after sending that overdue email. Movement is about joy, not calorie math.

• Eat with purpose. No more good food vs. bad food drama.

Ask yourself, “Does this fuel my next move?” Some days that’s quinoa; some days it’s a brownie. Balance, my friend.

• Sleep like a champ. Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s survival.

Make bedtime sacred: no phones, no excuses. You wouldn’t let your phone battery hit 2%, so why do it to yourself?

Your mini-challenge: Pick one thing—just one—that makes your body happy today. Maybe it’s swapping soda for water. Maybe it’s stretching for five minutes. Just do it.

Step 2: Clear the Mental Clutter (Mental Clarity)

If your brain were a browser, how many tabs are open right now?

Ten? Fifty?

And how many are playing random videos in the background? Yeah. That’s what I thought.

Mental clarity isn’t about emptying your mind (spoiler: that’s impossible). It’s about focusing your energy and shutting those unnecessary tabs.

Here’s where to start:

• Silence the digital chaos. Turn off notifications.

Check emails twice a day. Seriously, the world won’t implode if you’re offline for an hour.

• Quit the multitasking lie. Focus on one thing at a time.

Use the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focused work, 5-minute break). You’ll be shocked at how much more you get done.

• Find boredom. Ever notice how your best ideas pop up in the shower or during a long drive?

That’s because your brain finally gets a moment to think. So put the phone down and let your mind wander.

My ideas happen mainly in the shower and when I’m out mowing the 10 acres.

Your mini-challenge: Try focusing on one thing for 25 minutes today. No distractions. Just you and the task. See how it feels to actually finish something.

Step 3: Build Emotional Muscle (Resilience)

Life’s gonna throw punches. It’s not a matter of if—it’s when.

Emotional resilience isn’t about dodging the hits; it’s about rolling with them and coming back stronger. Think of it like emotional strength training—every setback is a rep.

Here’s where to start:

• Change your failure lens. Stop asking, “Why me?” and start asking, “What’s this teaching me?” Write down the lesson so you don’t forget it when the next storm hits. Seriously, write it down.

• Schedule your stress. Yes, really. Give yourself 15 minutes a day to stew, vent, cry—whatever. Then move on. Stress doesn’t get to “live rent-free” in your brain.

• Have the tough talks. Avoiding conflict doesn’t build strength. Facing it does. Speak up, even if your voice shakes. It’s easier than you think once you get started.

Your mini-challenge: Think about a recent ~~failure~~ challenge. What did it teach you? Write it down—it’s gold for your future self.

Step 4: Find Your “Why” (Spiritual Health)

Your “why” is what keeps you going when the trail is steep, the air is thin, and you’re wondering why you didn’t just stay on the couch. It’s your fuel, your fire, your reason to climb.

Here’s where to start:

• Do something uncomfortable. Sign up for a class you know nothing about. Try something weird and wonderful, like goat yoga. Growth lives outside your comfort zone.

• Lean into contrast. Feeling drained?

Use that as a compass to find what matters. Volunteer, meditate, or take a day in silence to listen to what your heart’s been screaming.

• Think beyond yourself. The climb gets lighter when you’re climbing for others. Mentor someone. Give back. Purpose expands when it’s shared.

Your mini-challenge: Ask yourself, “If I had to give up my current identity, what else could I offer the world?” Sit with it. See what comes up.

Step 5: Embrace the Climb

Here’s the truth: Life doesn’t get easier. The climb never ends. But you? You get stronger, smarter, and braver with every step.

Here’s where to start:

• Love the chaos. Life is messy, so stop waiting for “the perfect moment.” There isn’t one. The magic is in the mess.

• Redefine success. It’s not about the summit; it’s about the momentum. Every tiny step forward matters.

• Make friends with discomfort. Discomfort isn’t your enemy—it’s your trainer. Lean into it, learn from it, and grow.

Your mini-challenge: What’s one step you can take today? Big or small, it doesn’t matter. Just move forward.

Are You Strong Enough to Keep Climbing, Thrive, and Create What Matters?

Here’s the deal: The climb is messy. It’s chaotic, unpredictable, and will leave you covered in metaphorical (and sometimes literal) scrapes and bruises.

But guess what?

It’s also where you’ll find your most breathtaking moments, your proudest victories, and your truest self.

So pack what matters, ditch the excuses, and lean into the climb.

Don’t rush it.

Don’t overthink it.

Just take the next step—and then another.

Because the view? Oh, it’s gonna knock your socks off.