Tips for Responding to Tough Things in Life
Have you ever hit a really tough time? Since you’re human, likely so. There are many things that can happen to knock the little world we live in off its axis. Everything can be rocking along nicely without us noticing just how much we have to be thankful for and then something disastrous happens, like sudden job loss, a diagnosis of cancer, or the death of a loved one. “Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to it” says Charles Swindoll. Another sentiment that can apply to how we deal with tough times is, “Attitude is everything.”
Check out the following tips that can help you respond to tough times in ways that will improve your life:
1-Immediately Accept What You Can't Change
When a huge shock or pain comes along that has finality, it’s very unhealthy to enter a state of denial. Consciously make acceptance your top priority. Otherwise, you may find yourself going through the stages of grief, which are: Shock, denial, pain, guilt, anger, and bargaining. Shock is caused by an outside force and is an unconscious response. Pain is a healthy response to true loss. The good news is you can fast forward past denial, guilt, anger, and bargaining. How? By acceptance and refusing to follow negative thoughts that can’t contribute anything positive to the situation.
2-Don’t Look for Fairness
You don’t have to live for too many years on this earth to figure out that life is not fair. It’s best not to expect things to be “as they should.” Many things are in play at any given time. When you “get robbed” on a promotion you clearly deserved, for instance, it helps to remember that life isn’t fair. Your part, for the best life, is to work hard, show kindness, and quickly move on from life’s injustices.
Take the power back. Be open to enlarging your life and improving relationships in new ways, when things go sour. Just don’t get hung up on the unfairness that’s beyond your control.
3-Remember That You’re on a Continuing Journey
Hope is never fully lost as long as you are breathing. New adventures lay ahead for you, no matter how far you’ve fallen or how hard you’ve been gut-punched by life. Our options in life are truly limitless, especially for us blessed enough to live in the U.S. If you need a reset to find some light at the end of the tunnel, get creative. Explore the commonsense possibilities for you to move forward in the direction you truly long to go. Consult with a real friend or close family member before you do anything drastic.
Everything Will Be All Right
Life really is crap sometimes. Some frustrating things are easier to laugh at than others, but you have the option of maintaining a positive attitude. You’re here for a reason and the world needs what only you offer. Embrace life with hope in your heart and the road will rise up to greet you, though perhaps in ways unexpected. Bottom line? Keep hope alive, face the pain, move on, stay strong, and everything will be okay.
