What do you do when the things in your life that were once certain become uncertain- whether it be your health, your job, your finances, your relationships or your passions? How do you make it through?
So many times, we tell people to be patient. There are a multitude of sayings like, “this too shall pass…” and “good things come to those who wait” or “everything happens for a reason,” or “this will be a blessing in disguise” and “time heals all wounds.” Are those adages helpful or hurtful?
I can’t really answer these questions. Time definitely plays a factor in this. When you first are confronted with an unexpected change, it can be overwhelming. It can make you want to run and hide. It can make you want to fight and approach the problem head on. It can also make you shut down and freeze, in hopes that avoidance will make the issues go away. It may lead to a combination of all of those. It can cause you to question your ability to trust others, as well as trust yourself and the decisions that have led to this point. It can turn you into a mess.
What can help?
⁃ A strong support system – family, friends, teachers, therapists, etc. Find your people who will listen to you, who will let you break down & cry, and who will problem solve with you when you are ready. Find those who will distract you and make you laugh.
⁃ Self care- don’t forget to eat, drink, and sleep. Continue to do things you love to take your mind off of whatever is bogging you down.
⁃ Think of the times that you have made it through other obstacles – if you did it once, you can certainly do it again. Empower yourself through remembering your past triumphs!
⁃ Don’t dwell or obsess- carve out time to work on the issue, but don’t let it consume you.
⁃ Set a goal- try to make it “SMART” – specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and time oriented. Most likely you won’t be able to fix the problem in a day, but you can chip away at it over time.
⁃ Perspective- ask yourself if this is the end of your world? Will this matter next week? Next month? Next year? In ten years? Will this be mentioned at your funeral?
⁃ Patience- We have circled back to this word again. Challenges look different when there is time, distance, and space from it. Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting up unrealistic expectations. Remember, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
Delusions of Parenthood 
This is exactly what I needed to read today. Thank you! ❤
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You’re welcome!! I needed to write it, so I will hopefully follow through on it.
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Very inspired by your insight!
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Thanks! I hope I can practice what I preach
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Feeling a bit of Charlie Maher in there! I think his A was “attainable/achievable”…?
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I hear ya! I have also used that acronym for behavioral goals for IEPs. I like his A better!
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Such a great read. I am so glad I came across this ❤ This lifted my spirits gave me some hope 🙂
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That makes me so happy!!! Thank you for letting me know that it did what it was hoping to do. I wrote myself to remind myself of all of this!
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Very very good advice. I cannot stress how important self care and a strong support system is, it’s certainly helped me out a lot 🙂
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Yes, even when we are going through our trials, the importance of self care is essential.
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Thanks for the advice, Lauren! These tips are helpful in many aspects of life.
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Inspirational post. I totally agree with you that self-care and a good support network is vital especially when facing a crisis.
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Very inspiring, I love blogs like this 💛 I totally agree, we shouldn’t dwell on anything!
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I feel like I should print this and put it in my journal to save for the next obstacle in life. Really well done. Thank you.
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Thank you for your kind words! I wrote this to remind myself of all the things I need to do to get through various obstacles.
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Such a positive note. Thanks, must save and read it over again.. that good! 👍
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Thank you so much! I think I need to review it myself! Haha
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So inspiring and informative! Thanks for putting this post up here. I’m saving this!
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Thank you so much!!!
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You are welcome!
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Such great post! Very true, such valid points! And yes, a good cry is need from time to time. I for one build it all up – until I see my therapist, but a good cry is good for us to let it out. 😊🙏🏽
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Thanks! I am glad you have a therapist that u can let it all out with. 😊
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Yes, it’s wonderful! I think everyone deserves a good therapist! They’re – you, wonderful souls! 😊🙏🏽
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