Breaking It Down Bit by Bit

Lilia Grundy tackles her rowing challenge by breaking it down into intervals, applying the same strategy to her faith life. 

As I prepared to lean forward to grab the rowing machine’s handles, I told myself, “You will hurt for a little while, but then you will be done.” And then I heard the coach yell out the countdown: “Three, two, one!” And I was off. I pulled back with all my might, attempting to secure as many meters as I could in that first pull. I was about to embark on a fourteen-minute-long row, and I needed to get a strong start. 

It was Benchmark Day, as my fitness studio calls it. These are periodic challenges given to members as frequent check-ins to gauge our level of fitness. This, of course, is not a big deal really; it is not a momentous event in the grand scheme of things. 

But I’ve come to use these challenges not just as physical tests, but as spiritual ones as well. The reason is that Jesus asks us to die to ourselves in this life:

“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25) 

If I can train myself to experience suffering every day (even if it’s only 14 minutes), then I can mentally tackle the daily challenges that come my way. 

Just Keep Breathing 

It’s been a time of heaviness in our world. All of us deal with a lot each day; from our families’ necessities to work lives, to friends’ needs. So much so, it can be difficult to breathe! The scene from Cast Away (the 2000 film) immediately comes to mind.  

The main character, portrayed by Tom Hanks, has just overcome a tremendous ordeal to flee a deserted island where he endured many struggles. He recaps to a friend how he survived: “So that’s what I did. I stayed alive. I kept breathing.” 

When things feel heavy, I lean on this scene. I break things down bit by bit, so they don’t become overwhelming and consume me. If I need to row for fourteen minutes for example, then I break that challenge down into intervals. Rowing for four or five minutes at a time is much more mentally digestible than the entire fourteen. 

Similarly, when I have several tasks to tackle at home, I remind myself what takes priority: The Lord, of course. Therefore, I break down the day, making sure prayer comes first. The wonderful thing about this is that prayer begets prayer. God allows for more time to do the other things when we put Him first. 

Staying Steadfast 

As I always like to say about myself, I am a work in progress. I try to get ahead of the next challenge. And while I know I’m not in control, our Heavenly Father does give us the tools to remain steadfast such as the saints' words of wisdom. 

I came across the Ignatian Rules of Discernment, and it struck me how simple this rule is: “In times of desolation, we should never make any change.” However, it is hard to put into action. 

Why is it that when I struggle, the last thing I want to do is pray? Why is it hard to pick up my rosary? I know the answer: because the enemy doesn’t want me to — and those forces are powerful. But God’s kingdom is mightier. 

So, when life gets too much, I fall back on my go-to routine: I visit the chapel (Adoration), I pray the Rosary, I do something hard (fast or work out with intensity), and I hug my family. 

Life can be a lot, so I break it down, bit by bit. I take it one day at a time. And I keep on breathing.  

We even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4) 

Talk back!

Do you break things down when there are many tasks to accomplish? What do you do when things seem overwhelming or heavy in your life? 

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Copyright 2025 Lilia Grundy
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