Sometimes a task feels huge—so big that starting seems impossible. But then, you begin. You take a few small steps, and something shifts. You feel the wheels turning. Progress. And then, at some point, you look up and realize: I’ve made it this far.

That’s how it felt yesterday. I finished the first interview for the Parenting Pivot podcast, a show for parents of neurodivergent and special needs kids. The conversation was powerful. The tech worked. The emotions were real. Everything I’d planned—every little piece—came together.

And yet, last night, I found myself overwhelmed. Not because anything went wrong, but because I could suddenly see all the new challenges waiting up ahead. I had made it past the initial technical hurdles and early doubts. But now that I was further down the path, I could see just how far I still had to go.

When Progress Brings New Doubt

That moment really caught me off guard. I expected to feel proud—and I did. But I also felt uncertain. Could I really keep this going? Could I meet the next wave of demands this project would bring?

And it reminded me of something deeply familiar: the emotional experience of parenting a neurodivergent child.

When you first realize your child is on a different path—whether due to a diagnosis, behavioral challenges, or simply the way they move through the world—it can be paralyzing. Like standing at the base of a mountain with no trail, no map, and no idea what’s on the other side.

But you start walking anyway. You learn. You ask questions. You advocate. You fail. You try again. And somewhere along the way, you realize that you’ve grown stronger. The terrain hasn’t gotten easier, but your footing has gotten steadier.

Parenting on a Different Path

That doesn’t mean the doubts go away. In fact, they often resurface at the very moments when you think you’re finally hitting your stride. A new challenge comes up. Something unexpected throws you off. And you’re back to wondering: Am I really equipped for this?

But here’s the truth I keep coming back to—whether in podcasting or parenting: The doubt doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means you care. And the best thing you can do in those moments is pause, breathe, and look back at how far you’ve already come.

Because if you can do that, you can take the next step too.

The Journey Is the Point

Creating this parenting podcast has been an emotional mirror. Every step forward brings up old fears, familiar pressure, and that deep desire to get it right. But just like in parenting, there is no perfect version. There’s just the commitment to keep showing up.

Whether you’re starting a podcast or raising a child on a different path, you’ll have moments when you feel like you’ve got it—and moments when you feel completely lost. That’s normal. That’s human. That’s parenting.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, or unsure whether you can meet what’s ahead—pause and reflect. Let your past remind you of your strength. Then take the next step. You don’t have to see the whole path. You just have to keep walking.