Would you like to be able to deal with life’s ups and downs with strength and grace?
Becoming mentally and emotionally strong isn’t something that happens overnight.
When it seems that we’ve done all that we can do, know that we haven’t. We have to stay encouraged! We have to have hope! Hope is the emotional state which promotes the belief in a positive outcome.
Without hope, we have hopelessness, and hopelessness is the epitome of destruction. Hopelessness is having no expectation of good or success; the despair you feel when you have abandoned hope of comfort or success. Fear is the root of hopelessness. As stated by Napolean Hill, “Fear is a habit; so is self-pity, defeat, anxiety, despair, hopelessness and resignation. You can eliminate all of these negative habits with two simple resolves: I can!! and I will!!”
We can agree that it is much easier to surrender than to fight.
However, when it comes to survival or continuing to live in spite of difficult circumstances, it is about survival of the fittest. In the midst of disaster we are taught that survival skills are crucial. Although, generally referring to physical disasters, this can be conveyed in the emotional aspects of disaster as well.
So, what do you do when you’ve done all you can do?
1. Stay hopeful.
Life is full of challenges but hope is key to enduring and conquering them.
2. Make a conscious choice to be happy.
Happiness is a choice, and your perception is your reality. Finding the good in all situations will help overcoming negative defeating distorted beliefs.
3. Pick your battles.
Work on the things you have control over, instead of overwhelming yourself with things you cannot change. Let Go… Let God!
4. Reflect, relax and release.
Surrendering it to God means we don’t get to hang on to it. It’s good to reflect and learn from your mistakes and undesirable situations, but don’t get hung up on it. Let it go and relax. Release the pressure of the situation and move forward.
5. Take time for yourself.
Do something that eases your mind; something enjoyable that can make you feel refreshed and alive. Take a hot bath, do some crafts or hobbies, get out and enjoy your surroundings, or take in a movie or go to dinner with friends or family. Just do something!
6. Live, Laugh, and Love.
No this is not just a saying. It can be quite helpful when faced with challenges. Make a choice to live! Laugh, as research has proven that laughter releases hormones that reduce stress, provides a physical and emotional release, and even provides a good workout for the heart. Make a decision to love yourself! (flaws and all)
7. Get in touch with your spirituality.
Spirituality can provide us with meaning, a sense of vitality (or aliveness) and a sense of closeness to Him and helps us to see the big picture. Pray for clarity and understanding. Read your Bible for daily encouragement. These things will help you stay focused on God.
8. Take action.
Make an action plan that consist of goals and objectives, and revisit it regularly. Everyday life challenges can get you off track, but an action plan will help keep you focused. Revisiting the plan on a regular basis will provide some insight on your accomplishment and provide continued guidance, even during stressful situations.
Even though life throws us curve-balls, and doesn’t always go as we plan or would like, there is something we can do about it. Don’t surrender to challenges. Welcome them and look at them as an opportunity to grow and advance. Know that you have NEVER done all that you can do!
I challenge you to try each and every one of these tips, take control over your situation, and live a more strategic, desirable, and encouraging life!
