Life comes at you fast. One minute, you think you've got a handle on things, and the next, the ground shifts beneath you. The world is evolving at a dizzying pace—technology, politics, the economy, even the way we communicate. It's easy to feel like we're just trying to keep our heads above water. And sometimes, that creeping sense of hopelessness starts to settle in, like a fog rolling in over a quiet town.

I get it. I've been there. More than once. But if there's one thing I've learned—especially in recovery—it's that resilience isn't about controlling the storm; it's about learning how to stand firm in the wind. Staying positive and focused in a world that feels like it's constantly shifting isn't about ignoring reality. It's about facing it with grit, humor, and a little bit of stubborn optimism.

So, how do we do that? How do we keep moving forward when we feel like the wheels are coming off? I don't claim to have all the answers, but my experience finding recovery has taught me some important lessons.

1. Accept That Change Is Inevitable (And That's Okay)

I hate to be the bearer of tough news, but life is never going to stop changing. The economy will rise and fall. People will come and go. Jobs will evolve. Social norms will shift. And we, whether we like it or not, will grow older. The more we resist change, the harder it is on us.

The trick is to stop seeing change as the enemy. What if, instead of fearing uncertainty, we leaned into it? What if we looked at change as an invitation to evolve rather than an attack on our stability? The mindset shift here is simple but profound: Change isn't something happening to you; it's something happening for you.

2. Control What You Can, Let Go of What You Can't

If I had a dollar for every time I worried about something completely out of my control, I'd be retired on a beach somewhere. The truth is, most of us spend an enormous amount of energy trying to control things that are simply beyond our reach—other people's opinions, the economy, the weather, and the past. That's energy we could be spending on things that actually make a difference.

Here's a game-changer: Make a list of the things you can control and the things you can't. Then, focus on what's on your side of the fence. Your attitude, your effort, your daily habits—these things are within your grasp. The rest? Let it go. Seriously. It's not helping you to carry it around. "Let go and let God" is a common phrase used in recovery circles. That little phrase packs a big punch, even if you choose not to believe in a "God". Surrender is true freedom.

3. Build a Routine That Grounds You

I'll be real - I'm not the best at maintaining routines. Sometimes a routine can feel limiting, but a lack of routine can create uncertainty unnecessarily. When the world feels chaotic, creating structure in your own life can be a lifesaver. Morning routines, daily rituals, or even small habits can provide a sense of stability. Think about what makes you feel centered—maybe it's journaling, meditation, a workout, or just taking a walk in the fresh air. These aren't just fluffy self-care ideas; they're anchors that keep you steady in rough waters.

The key is consistency. Even if everything else in life feels unpredictable, knowing that you have a few rituals to lean on can help you maintain focus and keep a positive mindset.

4. Protect Your Mindset Like Your Life Depends On It (Because It Does)

Over the last couple of years, I chose to limit my social media use significantly because it felt like every time I opened an app, I ended up irritable and discontented. Let's be honest—negativity is everywhere. It's in the news, on social media, and sometimes even in our own circles. If we're not careful, we can get swept up in it, and before we know it, we're drowning in fear and pessimism.

You have to guard your mindset fiercely. This doesn't mean putting your head in the sand, but it does mean being intentional about what you let in. Limit your doomscrolling. Pay attention to who you surround yourself with. Fill your mind with things that inspire, uplift, and challenge you in a good way. Read books that make you think. Listen to music that energizes you. Find conversations that make you feel hopeful.

5. Take Action, Even When You Don't Feel Like It

I write music. Not professionally, but just out of pure passion. There are times when the music flows out of me so easily, and there are times when my creative energy is blocked. But even when it feels like there's nothing inside trying to get out, I still pick up the guitar. If it flows, it flows, but I can't write a song without picking up the guitar. That leads to this life lesson that has helped me immensely: Action creates motivation.

Waiting around for inspiration is like searching for gold with your eyes closed. It can be hard, but inaction is the true barrier to results. The more you sit in fear or despair, the heavier it becomes. But the moment you start moving—doing something productive, no matter how small—you start to shift that energy.

Feeling stuck? Do one thing today that moves you forward. Just one. Send the email. Take the first step toward a new goal. Clean one corner of your space. Anything. Momentum builds on itself, and before you know it, you're moving forward again.

6. Find Humor in the Chaos

Look, the world is a weird, messy place. And sometimes, all you can do is laugh at the absurdity of it all. Laughter is a powerful tool—it lightens the load, shifts your perspective, and reminds you that you're human. So, find humor where you can. Watch a stand-up special, joke with a friend, or just take a moment to appreciate the ridiculousness of life.

I once read that if you can laugh at something, you rob it of its power over you. That's not to say that serious things shouldn't be taken seriously, but sometimes, the ability to laugh is the thing that keeps us from breaking.

7. Keep Perspective: This Moment Isn't Forever

When we're in the middle of a tough season, it's easy to feel like it's never going to end. But it will. It always does. History has shown us that even the darkest times eventually give way to light.

Think back to a time in your life when you felt hopeless. You made it through, didn't you? You figured it out. And you will again. Life is a series of seasons, and no season lasts forever.

One thing I have to remind myself is that I've survived every bad thing that's ever happened to me, and sometimes the "bad" things end up being blessings in disguise.

8. Lean on Your People

For people in recovery, connection is everything. We are not meant to do life alone. When things feel overwhelming, reach out to the people who lift you up. Call a friend. Find a support group. Talk to someone who gets it. Connection is one of the strongest antidotes to despair. Many times simply sharing your fears with another person can help chop that problem in half.

And if you don't feel like you have those people in your life yet, go looking for them. Community doesn't always come knocking—you sometimes have to go build it. But I promise you, there are people out there who will understand and support you.

9. Remember Why You Started

Whether it's a personal goal, a dream, or just the simple act of getting through today, remind yourself why you're here. What are you fighting for? What's important to you? Reconnect with that purpose, because purpose has a way of pulling us through the hardest times.

If you don't know your “why” yet, that's okay. Keep exploring. Keep moving forward. It will come to you in time.

Final Thoughts

The world may be unpredictable, but your response to it is always in your hands. Stay grounded in what you can control, guard your mindset, and take action—even if it's small. Laugh when you can. Connect with others. And above all, remember that you've made it through tough times before, and you will again.

You are resilient. You are capable. And you are not alone in this.

So, tell me—what's one small thing you can do today to move forward?