Just Keep Going ~

“Just keep swimming; just keep swimming…” — Finding Nemo

That line has been playing in my head today; light and simple; almost childlike. And yet, it feels exactly like where I am. Not graceful; not figured out; just moving forward because stopping is not really an option.

I sat down to write and realized I do not know what to say; or  maybe I do, and it just feels scattered.

Life has been full; too full. Work, projects, responsibilities; I wake up, move through the day, get to bed, and then do it all again. I keep going; I am tired; but I am breathing.

Somewhere in all of this, my own healing has been pushed aside. I need to journal; I need to reflect; I need to write down the thoughts that come to me while I am driving; those quiet truths that disappear if I do not catch them. I feel the pull to return to God; to listen again for His plan; His purpose.

I find myself thinking about past relationships; remembering that there were good moments, even if they are hard to reach now. And then I remind myself to stop; not to reopen doors that need to remain closed.

There are small lights. My music; getting arrangements into the software. Conversations with two harpists who want to learn from me; that felt good? No, it felt awkward; uncomfortable. I cannot remember the last time someone really took an interest in my music career; at least not from the view that I am highly trained; an expert.

And yet, I still do not feel settled. I need a place to live; a real place. No more Airbnb hopping. One where my dogs are welcome; where I can unpack my life from storage and bring it all together again. The drive to work feels long; the days feel longer.

I also know I need to move my body. To get to the gym; to walk; to strengthen myself. Not for appearance; but for steadiness; for grounding; for returning to myself.

And in the middle of all of this; today is my pup’s 2nd birthday. A small, steady joy; a reminder of presence; of unconditional love; of something simple that does not ask me to be anything other than here.

An article from Mindful reminds us that even brief moments of awareness can begin to restore balance when life feels overwhelming; small pauses matter.

Another from the American Psychological Association explains that chronic busyness without recovery leads to mental fatigue and emotional strain; rest and movement both matter.

Nature does not rush; trees root where they can and grow toward light. Maybe that is enough for today; to keep swimming; to keep going; to breathe;
and to trust that I am still finding my way.

~ julie

If you feel so inclined, please reply with your thoughts.

Note: JM Lane is NOT a mental health professional, nor does she carry a license to practice medicine. Posts, blogs, and content are based on JM Lane’s personal experiences, perceptions, and reflections. By no means does any material convey what others should or should not do.

Copyright 2026. JM Lane, LLC, All rights reserved.

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When Tiredness Sounds Like Doubt ~