The rearview mirror in our car is set up for us to check what’s going on behind us. By definition, a rearview mirror allows the driver to see the road behind them. When you think about it, it’s only meant for a quick glance, because you can’t drive forward while constantly looking back.

As a creative, sometimes those creative juices just aren’t flowing and I feel stuck. When I feel this way, it’s hard for me to move forward—especially when I feel like I’m not making progress in certain areas. Sometimes what helps me is to assess the past. I take a look at what’s behind me. I think about things that have happened, and it helps me see how far I’ve come.

One day I was literally sitting at home thinking about the past few years and trying to figure out why I was feeling the way I was feeling. I realized it was because I felt like I hadn’t made any progress. Let me take you back for a second.

The past several years seemed to be filled with doctor’s appointments, medical procedures, physical therapy—and let me not leave out ole tricky grief! It felt like those things became my world. I was consumed by the routine of it all. Honestly, I don’t know how I kept up with everything and still handled the responsibilities that come with being a wife, a mother, and an employee. It all felt way too heavy at times.

What do I tend to do when things feel too heavy? I do nothing. Well, I only did the things I absolutely had to do—like go to work, because that’s what pays the bills, right? Social gatherings, writing, and other things I loved took a backseat. Outside of appointments, I would literally go to work and then go home. That was my life. My attendance at church even dwindled. I felt consumed by a lot of things, but not going anywhere.

But guess what? I was going somewhere, and I had made progress! Although I had stopped doing some things, I was still making progress in the areas that held my attention. The medical appointments and physical therapy grew fewer and fewer. I’m no longer needing assistance to do daily tasks. I’m not using a cane or walker anymore. I’m able to wear normal shoes (soon to be back in my favorite stilettos). I can drive myself. The list goes on and on. I have made a lot of progress!

In order for me to recognize it, I had to take a look in the rearview mirror. I took a glimpse back so I could see the distance I had traveled. Taking a look back encouraged me to keep going, no matter what obstacles may be in the road ahead—because if I keep going, I will reach my goals.

I encourage you, my beautiful people, not to allow the feeling of being “stuck” to make you believe you’re not making progress. Take a moment to check your rearview mirror and look at how far you’ve come. It’s okay to take a quick look back—just make sure you keep looking ahead as well.

Here are some scriptures that helped me on my journey! I try my best to keep God in everything I do. Even in my frustrations, sadness and feeling stuck, I would cry out to Him. I hope these help you as they did for me.

Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Isaiah 40:31

but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
 they will run and not grow weary,
 they will walk and not be faint.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.