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. While I can still get it wrong, I am now 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 vibe 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 are alive and should continue to write the many pages left to be filled in a way that has the story; your story, pan out beautifully.

Get another perspective

Speak with somebody you trust - explain things with transparency and include your part in it all. Perhaps this trusted individual will shed some light on what you haven't been able to see, 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 your chest.

Be humble

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

Try to learn and apply the lessons immediately
It's a well known fact that until we actively implement certain lessons we will continue to battle the same problems.

New strategies

Put new coping methods in place from the lessons learned so that you're less likely to fall [or stay down for too long] 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.

Thanks for reading.

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