Climbing Out of a Tough Season: Finding Grace in Struggles

I’m currently in my first trimester, and the morning sickness has really been tough on me. It’s been so hard that I’ve slipped into a little depression. I’ve let the house go, struggled to make dinner for my family, and have barely been able to do anything other than lie down and watch my son play. The more I see things spiral in my life, the deeper I sink into depression because I feel so bad that I can’t manage everything. Why do other women seem to juggle it all while everything in my life feels like it’s falling apart? Do I just suck?

No, I don’t suck. I’m just in a tough season, and as hard as it’s going to be, I’ve decided to try my best to give myself grace. I don’t handle feeling sick well. Maybe other women do, and that’s amazing, but I just don’t. I’m not great at pushing through, but hey, this is temporary. Pregnancy and the horrible symptoms that come with it are temporary. I will climb back on top of my life.

On my good days, I’ll play with my son and get some housework done. On my bad days, I’ll set my ego aside and let my husband help me without feeling like I’ve failed. We’re a team, and I’ll just do the best I can. Seasons of struggle and seasons of awesome will come and go in our lives. We just need to be loving and graceful with ourselves through it all.

I’m going to push through. I’ll do my best, take my anti-nausea meds, and hope they help me get my life back on track. This doesn’t just apply to pregnancy. Whenever life knocks you off your feet, it’s going to be okay. You will get through this! Your mentality will make or break you, so don’t let yourself get sucked into a negative thought spiral.

Negative thoughts are so much easier to focus on than positive ones, and they can quickly spiral you into hopelessness. When negative thoughts start to take over, make yourself come up with five positive things. If you need to, do this all day long until you start to believe them. Remember, you’re stronger than you feel in this moment, and brighter days are ahead.

If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. So many of us go through seasons where life feels heavier than we can manage. But even in those moments, small steps can make a big difference. Start with something tiny—like drinking a glass of water, putting on a fresh shirt, or just sitting outside for a few minutes. These little acts of self-care can help shift your mindset and remind you that you’re worthy of care and love, especially from yourself.

Spending a few minutes outdoors every day can also have a profound impact on your mental health. Research has shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and even lower symptoms of depression (Bratman et al., 2015). Even if it’s just a quick walk around the block or sitting in your backyard, connecting with the fresh air and sunlight can help ground you and provide a mental reset.

Also, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a professional, having someone to talk to can ease the burden. You don’t have to go through this alone, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. You’re doing the best you can in a tough situation, and that’s enough.

Remember, seasons of struggle are temporary. They don’t define you. They’re just moments in time that will eventually pass, leaving you stronger and more resilient. Give yourself permission to rest, heal, and believe in brighter days ahead. You’ve got this.

Reference: Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., Hahn, K. S., Daily, G. C., & Gross, J. J. (2015). Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(28), 8567-8572. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1510459112