Quote #207: Allison Byron

Hi, I’m Allison Byron. I’m an SEL Specialist with Midland Public Schools, a member of the Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition, and a momma to an amazing baby girl.

A quote that I come back to often is, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can,” by Arthur Ashe. This quote resonates with me because it takes the pressure off. There are days, both at home and at work, when things don’t feel perfectly lined up or fully figured out. As a parent and as someone who supports staff and students, it’s easy to feel like you should be further along or doing more. This quote reminds me that progress doesn’t require perfection. It just asks us to begin with what’s already in front of us.

This quote supports my wellbeing by helping me focus on what’s possible instead of what’s missing. It’s also something I talk about when I’m coaching staff or teaching mindfulness lessons with students. We don’t need the perfect tools, the perfect plan, or the perfect day to take a step forward. Small, doable steps matter, and they add up.

So, what’s one small step you can take today with what you already have? This has been brought to you by the Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition’s Quotes to Live By Series. Take care!