YOU VERSUS YOU

There are a number of untold situations that can have us feel utterly devastated. From break-up's to job loss, financial woes, or a life changing illness; it is never easy to navigate ourselves through testing times and find the light at the end of such a gloomy tunnel.

Many moons ago I was terrible at dealing with any intense sudden changes in my life. I'd react badly and my behaviour would often hurt those around me. Nowadays, not only am I much stronger and far more capable [emotionally and mentally, despite my struggle with anxiety], I do very well, if I do say so myself, at getting back on track after something awful happens. I am so much better at dealing with life's challenges quickly and effectively.

The following may not work for everyone, however, you've nothing to lose and potentially everything to gain by trying these steps whenever you're faced with a serious turn of events...

Take a step back from the situation
Give yourself the time and space to calm your thoughts [over thinking is never helpful] and to understand your emotional connection to the matter.

Assess things as though you are an outsider 

Being caught up in the 'drama' of it all can have us respond irrationally which is likely to make things worse. What, exactly, is the real issue and how, realistically, can it be solved?

Reflect on your most recent positive memory

We automatically smile and feel relaxed at the thought of an experience that we enjoyed - this energy is always best when tackling difficulties.

Approach the issue with brutal honesty

Analyse your feelings and be real about why you're allowing them to stay with you... It may be an incredibly rough chapter but, you're alive and should continue to write the many pages left of your story in a way that contirbutes towards a beautiful ending.

Get another perspective

Speak with somebody you trust - explain things with transparency. Perhaps this trusted individual will open up your mind on the matter, or they may simply give you another view on how to deal with everything. Either way, you'll feel great once you've got it off of your chest.

Be humble

You don't know everything, you never will and you're not right all of the time which is okay. Embrace the blessings of being a student for life and the numerous people in this world who [at times] will have the answers you cannot find on your own!

Try to learn and apply the lessons immediately
An 'L' is not a loss. It is an opportunity to LEARN. It's a well known fact that until we actively implement certain lessons we will continue to battle the same problems.

New strategies

Put coping methods in place from the lessons learned so that you're less likely to feel/stay down when you arrive at the next stumbling block.

Life is way too short to spend precious time on anything, or anyone, that doesn't encourage positive growth.

Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.