Have you ever looked at a challenge in your life and felt like you were standing at the base of an impossibly steep, rocky mountain? Rumi’s beautiful words remind us that the scale of the obstacle isn't actually what determines our success. Instead, it is the depth and the steady, unshakeable determination of our faith that provides the strength to climb. Faith, in this sense, isn't just about religious belief; it is that inner spark of certainty that tells you there is a way forward, even when the path is obscured by fog.

In our everyday lives, these mountains often show up in much smaller, yet equally daunting, forms. It might be the mountain of a difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding, the steep climb of learning a new skill, or the heavy weight of a personal loss that feels like it will never lift. When we face these moments, it is easy to focus solely on how large the obstacle is. We become so preoccupied with the height of the peak that we forget we carry within us a reservoir of resilience that is far more powerful than any external circumstance.

I remember a time when I felt completely overwhelmed by a project that seemed far too big for my small wings to handle. I sat by the pond, staring at my to-do list, feeling like the stones in my path were far too heavy to move. I kept thinking about how much easier things would be if the mountain just disappeared. But then, I shifted my focus. Instead of looking at the summit, I focused on my belief in my own ability to take just one small, purposeful step. By leaning into my trust in the process, the massive task began to break down into manageable pebbles.

That sense of determination acts like a lever. When your faith is firm, you aren't just pushing against the rock; you are finding the leverage needed to shift it. It is about the quiet, persistent courage to keep showing up, day after day, with the conviction that progress is being made even when you can't see the top of the mountain yet.

Today, I want to encourage you to look at that one thing that feels overwhelming. Don't try to move the whole mountain at once. Instead, take a deep breath and find that small pocket of faith within you. Ask yourself what one tiny, determined step you can take today to begin shifting the weight. You are much stronger than you realize.