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Now, more than ever, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the problems in the world. This life lesson about staying effective in the face of ‘overwhelm’ is a gift from my father, Raim Regelson. It guides our work at Kidpower – and helps so many of us in challenging times.
One of the best ways to move forward when you are overwhelmed and stuck is to break things into small pieces and focus on just what you need to do next to accomplish your goal. We can do this for ourselves and empower our kids to do the same – just like my father did for me over 60 years ago.
When I was 12 years old, my father and I decided to climb Mt. Whitney, a 14,505′ peak with a 26-mile round trip hike, in one day. We camped near the trailhead the night before and then started by moonlight and flashlight at 3 am.
Surrounded by beauty, we hiked confidently – until I ran out of steam a few miles from the top. Overcome with exhaustion, I curled up by the trail and instantly fell asleep. My father sat by me for a few minutes and then, gently shaking me awake, said, “You want to climb the mountain, don’t you?”
Eyes squeezed tightly shut, I whimpered, “I’m too tired. It’s too far.”
“Please open your eyes, Irene,” my father said softly.
I sighed, then opened my eyes. All I could see was the dirt on the ground beneath my arm.
My father coaxed, “Just take 10 little old lady steps. Then, you can rest.” After I stood up and nodded my head, he took my hand, and we counted out 10 little steps. “Now,” he said cheerfully, “I know you can take just 10 more.”
Holding my father’s warm, strong hand, counting ten little old lady steps at a time, we climbed up those final, steep miles.
When we got to the summit, my exhaustion turned into exhilaration! “WE DID IT!” I shouted. As I looked down at the magnificent mountains and desert below, I felt like I was on top of the world and knew that everything was possible!
Over the decades since my father and I summited Mt. Whitney hand-in-hand, the joy of that moment and the lesson in how to keep going by breaking the goal into manageable pieces have served me countless times, including now.
At Kidpower, we see again and again how small actions, simple skills, and tiny steps can all add up to transform helplessness into empowerment, reduce suffering, and increase joy – leading to safer lives and happier people.
One small step YOU can take today to bring skills for greater safety and happiness into thousands of lives is to make a donation to Kidpower. Your gift in any amount will help to support our free online library with resources like this one and workshops teaching skills, especially for those most in need.
Published: December 14, 2020 | Last Updated: February 4, 2025