When It All Falls Apart, Pick Up the Pieces

Oct 10

We all have moments when life feels like it’s falling apart. Whether it’s a personal crisis, a health challenge, or a significant transition, these moments can leave us feeling lost and overwhelmed. I’ve been there, too—more times than I care to count. But through my journey, I’ve learned how to pick up the pieces and keep moving forward. This blog is the foundation for a future book, where I’ll share the mindsets and tools that have helped me and that I know can help you, too. Here are six essential tools to begin picking up the pieces of your life and aligning with God’s purpose, even when everything seems broken.

1. Lean Into God’s Strength

When life shatters, the first thing I do is turn to God. We weren’t created to handle life’s burdens on our own. God's strength is perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), and when we trust Him, we find the strength we need to keep going. Start by handing it over to God no matter what you're facing. Trust that He’s walking beside you through the storm.

2. Embrace the Power of Small Steps

In my journey, I’ve learned that picking up the pieces doesn’t happen simultaneously. It’s a process that takes time; sometimes, you can only take one small step at a time. I encourage you to focus on making daily progress, even tiny ones. As it says in Zechariah 4:10, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” One small step today leads to more giant steps tomorrow.

3. Renew Your Mind Daily

When life is chaotic, it's easy to let negative thoughts take over. Romans 12:2 reminds us to renew our minds and not conform to the world’s thinking. The key to picking up the pieces is developing a mindset focused on God’s truth, not the circumstances. Studies have shown that cognitive behavioral techniques like thought replacement can help shift our perspective, which is why daily renewal of your mind is crucial.

4. Find Your Support System

You don't have to walk through this journey alone. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of community. Whether it’s close friends, family, or a trusted mentor, having people around who can support, encourage, and pray with you is critical. Research shows that social support is one of the strongest predictors of resilience during difficult times (Harvard Health Publishing, 2017). Surround yourself with people who uplift you and speak life into your situation.

5. Set Clear, Manageable Goals

Setting goals that keep you focused and moving forward is essential as you rebuild. One of the tools I’ve used is breaking down overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable goals. This keeps you from feeling stuck and helps you see progress more quickly, which is a great motivator. Proven goal-setting strategies such as SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) help with this process, ensuring that you’re making measurable progress.

6. Practice Gratitude and Reflection

Gratitude has a way of shifting our focus from what’s wrong to what’s right. Even in the middle of hardship, there is always something to be thankful for. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can reduce stress and improve mental health (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). Start each day by reflecting on three things you’re grateful for, and ask God to guide your path.

Final Thoughts

Life may not look how you envisioned, but God’s plan is bigger and better than anything we can imagine. Picking up the pieces of your life begins with faith, patience, and intentional action. Remember that you’re not alone—God is with you every step of the way, and with Him, you can rebuild what’s been broken.

I’ve been on this journey of picking up the pieces, and I know firsthand how hard it can be. But I also know the joy of surrendering to God’s plan. My mission is to help you do the same. Join me in my accountability group or book a session, and let’s start the process of reclaiming your life.

References:

Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377–389.
Harvard Health Publishing. (2017). The importance of social connections for physical and mental health. Harvard Medical School.

Stay tuned for my upcoming book, where I’ll explore these tools further and share even more insights from my personal journey to help you step into your greatness. Let’s pick up the pieces together!

For now, join my Step Into Your Greatness community by going to https://linktr.ee/jodiwatkins.

Jodi Watkins

My name is Jodi Watkins. I am flawed. I am perfectly imperfect. I have made tons of mistakes. I can’t take any of my past back. I can’t go back in time. However, what I can do now is operate in my gifts, share truths, create awareness, and support/encourage those around me who may feel alone. We all have a story. Opening up is a process. It’s a journey. It comes from creating a trusting relationship. It doesn’t happen overnight. I am a true testimony that when we allow the right people in our lives, we are able to break barriers we may not even know existed. I used writing as a way to heal and I now use this gift to help others in a way I never imagined possible. My desire is to collaborate with like-minded individuals in order to create a better world for the next generation. Please share this website with anyone you know who may be interested in linking up. Together, we can always do more!

https://linktr.ee/jodiwatkins