One Step, One Paddle, One Powerful Change

There’s a story told about Mother Teresa that has always stayed with me. When she first saw the overwhelming poverty and suffering on the streets of Calcutta, she didn’t begin by creating a global organization or mapping out a five-year plan. She began with one simple, profound step: she noticed a need and set out to meet it herself.

She didn’t wait until she had all the answers. She didn’t wait for perfect resources or for a guarantee that she’d succeed. She simply showed up.

And from that first small act, an entire movement of compassion spread across the world.

Why Starting With Yourself Matters

So often, when we long for change—whether it’s in our health, relationships, work, or communities—we look too far down the road. We get overwhelmed by the distance between where we are and where we want to be. We tell ourselves:

• “I’ll start when I have a plan…”

• “I’ll begin when I’m ready…”

• “I’ll act when I know exactly how it will work out…”

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But what if the most important step isn’t having it all figured out? What if it’s simply to begin—by showing up for yourself?

Momentum Matters: The Kayaking Analogy

A friend of mine once shared an analogy from kayaking:

“If I don’t paddle, the river’s current will drift me into eddies and rocks. But as long as I keep paddling, even imperfectly, I stay in the flow and move toward my destination.”

The same is true in life:

• Movement creates momentum.

• Action invites guidance.

• Momentum gives God something to work with.

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When we take even one small step, we stay in the flow and allow grace, clarity, and opportunity to enter in ways we couldn’t have anticipated.

Personal Story: Learning to Move One Step at a Time

When I first became certified as an Eating Psychology/Mind-Body Nutrition Coach, I had no idea how I would put it into practice. I didn’t have a roadmap, and the path forward was unclear.

Over the years, I discovered the power of taking the one next step—consistently. I leaned into the truth of the beloved hymn:

“Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see the distant scene – one step enough for me.”

The most important thing I did was start with myself—making sure I was living in alignment with what I taught—and keep moving. Each step built momentum, and slowly, the bigger picture revealed itself.

Change Starts Within

The changes that ripple outward—into our homes, relationships, and communities—always start within us first:

• Want peace at home? Cultivate peace in your heart.

• Want deeper connection? Learn to connect with yourself first.

• Want to create a healthier or more loving environment? Treat yourself with health and love.

  
  

Starting with yourself is not selfish—it’s strategic. It builds the foundation for lasting, meaningful change.

Take Action Today

So if you feel overwhelmed by where you “should be” or the difference you want to make:

• Show up for yourself first.

• Take one small step today.

• Keep moving, even if imperfectly.

  
  

Like Mother Teresa, like the kayaker, and like my own journey, the most powerful change begins within. Start with yourself. Keep paddling. God will guide the way.

If you’d like support in choosing or taking your next small step, comment below or email me the word CHANGE. Let’s do it together.