Life has a way of testing us in ways we never imagined. Sometimes, the weight of our struggles feels unbearable, the nights feel endless, and the heartache too deep to mend. If you are reading this and your spirit is weary, if you have suffered a devastating loss, if you’re navigating the storm of a painful breakup, or if you’re watching a loved one battle illness while feeling helpless—this is for you.

I see you. I feel your pain. I know the hollow ache in your chest, the silent tears in the middle of the night, the fear that grips you when you don’t know what tomorrow holds. But I need you to listen closely: you are closer than you think.

The Story of Being Three Feet from Gold

There’s a powerful story from Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich about a man who was digging for gold. He had invested everything—time, money, effort—into finding a gold vein. He dug tirelessly but, after encountering a long stretch of rock and dirt, he gave up. Discouraged, he sold all his mining equipment to another man and walked away, convinced there was nothing more to be found.

The new owner, before giving up, sought expert advice. A mining engineer assessed the land and discovered that the original miner had stopped just three feet from gold. Had he just kept going a little longer, his dreams would have been realized.

Can you imagine the regret? Can you imagine the pain of knowing that he had been so close, yet he let his frustration and exhaustion take over?

Now, I ask you—where are you standing right now? Are you three feet from your own gold?

The Breaking Point Before the Breakthrough

When we face hardship, especially the kind that shakes us to our core, it’s easy to feel like giving up is the only option. Maybe you’re exhausted from fighting. Maybe you don’t see a way out. Maybe the pain is whispering in your ear that it will never get better.

But what if you are standing at the edge of your breakthrough? What if your miracle is only three feet away?

What if the love you deserve is waiting just beyond this heartbreak? What if healing for your child is closer than you think? What if the strength you are searching for is already within you, just waiting to be awakened?

What if your future self could whisper to you right now and say, “Hold on just a little longer…you are so close”?

For the Parent Holding on for Their Child

If you, like me, are holding on for a child who is struggling with their health, I want you to know that you are not alone. The love you have for your child is a force more powerful than anything in this world. Every sleepless night, every whispered prayer, every moment spent at their bedside—you are doing more than you realize.

I know the fear, the helplessness, the exhaustion. I know what it’s like to stare at a child who is struggling, begging for a miracle. But I also know that love is its own kind of medicine. Your presence, your fight, your unwavering hope—these are powerful.

Even when you feel like you’re falling apart, you are still a rock for your child. Even when you feel weak, you are still their source of strength. And even when it feels like you can’t do this anymore, you will—because love will push you forward.

Strengthening Your Mind for the Journey

When you are in the middle of hardship, strengthening your mind is crucial. Here are some ways to do so:

1. Journaling: Releasing Your Thoughts on Paper

Writing your thoughts down is one of the most therapeutic ways to process pain. Journaling allows you to express your emotions freely, without judgment. It helps you track progress, release frustrations, and see how far you’ve come. Sometimes, we don’t realize our own strength until we see it written in our own words.

2. Prayer: Tapping into Divine Strength

Prayer is a powerful way to connect with God, realign your perspective, and find peace in uncertainty. Jesus Himself emphasized the power of prayer: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)

When you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to pray. Speak honestly to God, pour out your heart, and trust that He is listening. Prayer not only strengthens the spirit but also brings comfort and clarity in difficult times.

3. Reading the Bible: Finding Hope in Scripture

Scripture is filled with promises of strength and perseverance. Here are a few verses to hold onto:

• Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
• Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
• Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

4. Helping Others: Finding Purpose in Service

One of the most powerful ways to shift your mindset is to help someone else. When we step outside of our own pain and extend kindness, we create purpose in our suffering. Volunteer, offer a kind word, or help a friend in need. Serving others strengthens our minds by reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.

5. Taking Care of Your Body: Nutrition and Exercise

Your mind and body are deeply connected. Eating healthy foods rich in nutrients can help boost your mood, reduce anxiety, and increase your energy levels. Foods like leafy greens, nuts, berries, and lean proteins support brain function and emotional balance.

Exercise is also crucial. Going for a walk, stretching, or engaging in physical activity releases endorphins—natural mood lifters. Even small movements can help break the cycle of stress and sadness.

6. Resting and Recharging: Protecting Your Mental Health

Exhaustion weakens our minds and makes it harder to see hope. Getting enough rest, setting boundaries, and allowing yourself to take breaks is vital. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you are prioritizing self-care.

A Final Word of Encouragement

You might not see it now, but every day you choose to keep going, you are writing a story of perseverance, faith, and resilience. Your struggle is shaping you into someone even more powerful, someone who can withstand the trials of life and still find beauty in the journey.

Your pain will not be in vain. One day, you will be the person who inspires others, the one who says, “I made it through, and so can you.” The battle you are fighting now will become your testimony, your source of wisdom, and your proof that miracles do happen.

In those moments when you feel weak, remember: Strength is not the absence of struggle; it is continuing to fight despite it. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is moving forward even when fear grips your heart.

So, take a deep breath. Wipe your tears if you need to. Rest if you must, but don’t stop. Keep walking, keep believing, and keep trusting that what’s ahead is far greater than anything left behind.

Your breakthrough is coming. Your gold is just ahead. You are almost there.

Dedicated to my daughter Kimberly, you can make it!