When Life Feels Out of Control, Control What You Can

Looking out at the snow piled high outside, I have to admit that the groundhog got it right this year. No sooner did Punxsutawney Phil predict six more weeks of winter than the weather took a turn for the worse. Ah, February—a short month that packs a punch. The excitement of the new year has faded, daily stresses seem to pile up, and the cold, gray days make spring feel impossibly far away. Like the groundhog, I sometimes want to crawl into a hole and stay there until the sun finally returns. But of course, that’s neither realistic nor healthy for us humans.

So, what can we do when everything feels overwhelming? Sometimes, the best thing to do when it feels like you can’t do anything is to tackle a small task that solves a problem for your future self.

For example, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve struggled with my kitchen cupboard. Standing on my tiptoes, I’d reach in to grab something, only to knock over bottles and watch items tumble out. The awkward angle usually sent a sharp pain through my back. The situation drove me nuts! More than once, I’ve simply shut the cupboard door in frustration, leaving behind whatever I was looking for because it was too irritating to deal with. Can you relate?

One day, I decided enough was enough. I bought a few small plastic baskets from Walmart, set aside time to organize, and in less than 30 minutes—problem solved. For under $4 and just a little effort, I fixed something that had been frustrating me for years!

It was such a simple task, but it made a real difference. Now, every time I open that cupboard, I’m reminded that even in seasons that feel overwhelming, I have the ability to make small changes that improve my daily life.

If winter has you feeling stuck, I encourage you to pick one small thing—something manageable—that will make life easier for your future self. Maybe it’s organizing a drawer, setting up a system for something that frustrates you, or simply clearing a space to create a little more peace in your home. These little victories add up, and sometimes, they’re just what we need to push through the season. Spring will come. Until then, let’s take small steps to brighten the days we have right now.