Monday, February 9, 2026

Mantra for 2026: One Foot in Front of the Other

Finding the grace, strength, and courage needed to keep going, no matter what the circumstances.

By Quentin Steen, Representative

By the grace of God (There was no other way). I picked myself back up (I knew I had to stay)
I put one foot in front of the other and I looked in the mirror and decided to stay
Wasn't gonna let love take me out that way. ~ Katy Perry

Sometimes life brings us to our knees, and we’re left wondering how we’ll ever stand again. In those moments, it’s grace—something unshakable and often unexplainable—that gives us the strength to try. For me, there was no other way. I had to choose to rise, even when the weight of everything seemed unbearable.

Step by step, I moved forward. It wasn’t quick, and it wasn’t easy, but I knew I had to keep going. Each step was a choice—a declaration that I wouldn’t let life’s struggles define me or take me down.

Looking in the mirror was the turning point. It wasn’t just about seeing my reflection; it was about recognizing my worth and my will to keep going. I decided to stay. I chose myself over the pain, over the doubts, and over the fear.

Resilience is not about avoiding hardship; it’s about standing up when it feels impossible. It’s about finding strength in grace and courage in the decision to fight for yourself.

And often, that includes finding the strength and courage to reach out for help. Find people to walk beside you as you put one foot in front of the other. Whether that’s a friend, family member, coworker, or professional counsellor. Resilience and strength mean you keep going—even when it’s through the darkest valley. But you don’t need to do it alone. Just be sure to choose your community wisely because it can either add to your healing, strength, and resilience, or erode it—and you with it.

I wasn’t going to let my hardship take me out—not then, not ever. And as you march into 2026, I hope that you find the grace, strength, and help you need to meet each hardship head-on.

Make 2026 your year to fight for YOU!

CLAC is here to help. If you are facing down personal hardship, check out the supports we offer.

Mantra for 2026: One Foot in Front of the Other

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