When life gets difficult, sometimes we can feel like throwing in the towel.
It can be a LOVE/HATE relationship sometimes, can’t it?
As soon as you think everything is looking up, the world seems to be crashing down on you.
It’s not easy…this life thing.
Feelings of uncertainty can cause hella anxiety and cause you to question everything.
THERE IS HOPE
Regardless if it is a virus, loss of a job, marriage or family problems, fear of the future, money issues, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
When Life Gets Difficult, Remember These 6 Critical Things
1. You Are Not Alone
When we feel alone in our problems, it can get overwhelming fast.
You can begin to feel that you are the only one dealing with your issue and that no-one understands what you are walking through.
When you look around and see others living the life, there can be a tendency to retreat, which only increases your loneliness.
Believe me, you are not the only one that is dealing with feeling alone. Everyone does at one time or another.
Being vulnerable is difficult for most people, which is why you may tend to think that everyone else has their crap together except you.
Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and let someone know how you are feeling.
2. It’s Ok To Not Be Ok
Give yourself a break. You won’t always be in a good mood.
Be patient with yourself.
It is not about ignoring the issue.
Acknowledge the problem, accept the feeling, and then let it go.
It is perfectly normal to not be OK all the time.
Instead, listen to your body.
Take things slow and be kind to yourself.
Let go of the expectations that say “I should be doing this or I should be doing that.”
Stop “shoulding” on yourself!
3. Don’t Put Pressure On Yourself to Figure It All Out
Stop putting pressure on yourself to be ALL THE THINGS!
Sometimes you just need to REST and RESET.
Putting pressure on yourself will only cause you more anxiety.
There is a time for everything and sometimes that means it is time to rest and reset.
Even though you may think others have their whole life planned out, they don’t.
No-one truly knows what the future holds and no-one has their life figured out.
It’s ok.
4. Every Challenge Is An Opportunity for Growth
This may be difficult to swallow in the present moment.
But, try to remember a time when you went through something really challenging and came out better for it.
Remember how you felt when you were in the middle of it? Now look at where you are and how far you have come.
Every challenge presented to you is an opportunity to learn, gain wisdom, and transition into a new season.
Growth is all a part of becoming the person you are called to be.
5. Change Is A Part Of Life
The only constant in life is change. I wish it wasn’t true.
Change is one of the hardest things about this life.
At times, however, it can be the biggest blessing.
Let go of trying to hold onto things that just aren’t the same anymore and try to move into the flow of change.
Remember, “Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it.”
It’s all about you and your attitude towards the changes.
6. Don’t Take It Personal
When we are constantly thrown curveballs in life, it can sometimes feel personal.
During these times, just remember it’s a part of life that everyone experiences at one time or another.
It is not a direct hit to you.
Life is full of highs and lows and ebbs and flows.
Learn to trust the process a little more
And believe that you will get to the other side.
“A n d T h i s T o o S h a l l P a s s”
I understand that those words may not be easy to hear when you are in the midst of a crisis.
But, think about it. This is not the first time you have come up against a trial, is it?
Think of all the difficulties and hurdles you have survived!
YOU ARE A SURVIVOR!
Let’s THRIVE in the process and know that…
“The God of all grace, who has called us into his eternal glory by Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, will make you perfect, established, strengthened, and settled.” 1 Peter 5:10
Live light,
Lucia
This is marvelous! I firmly believe that all difficulties are designed to strengthen us and help us improve.
Sadly, it is ‘after you have suffered’. But it really helps to know there is a light at the end of that tunnel!
Hi Diane,
Yes, that is so true. We find growth in it all. Knowing that we can have hope makes all the difference in helping us move forward.
I think I needed to hear this. So many of us suffer from anxiety, and this quarantine has made it that much worse. Thank you!
Hi Michele,
I’m so glad you stopped by and my hope is that you found encouragement. This season has taken a toll on us all in one way or another. Grateful we can find hope through each other.
I really needed to read this. My grandmother just passed and its been really hard dealing with these emotions especially when we’re still social distancing. I love “this too shall pass” its what my mom used to say to me.
Stephanie | SPV Living
Hi Stephanie,
My heart goes out to you in losing your grandmother amidst all the upheaval our world is in.
It truly blesses me that this post resonated with you. Sometimes I have to close my eyes and repeat that small phrase over and over again as it brings me back to the reality that I will get through this, in time.
I love this! So true. I had just gone through a major crisis before the pandemic hit so it’s just another crisis to get through. You just have to go with the flow and not let it sink you.
Hi Rebecca,
Going with the flow really can help us navigate these crazy times. Thankful that resilience is a gift that is given to each of us. It’s not always easy to accept that gift though. When we do, it can be life changing. So glad you came by Learning to Live Light. Hope to chat again soon.
“This too shall pass” is an ongoing matra of mine – and one that was very helpful while I was recovering from a job that turned out to be hell on earth. Nothing lasts forever and when we remember all that we’ve survived and all that it teaches us, it makes it easier to push through yet another testing time – it builds character (even if it feels horrible when it’s happening!)
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 😊
Hi Leanne,
Thanks so much for sharing and for always having an authentic, encouraging comment. Character building is definitely not a fun experience at times!
Blessings,
Lucia
Beautiful post, thoughts that are so important. I just had an hour conversation with my son. I might
be missing a trip to a restaurant or seeing a film, but a talk with him is the greater gift.
Hi Beth,
Thank you. Time with family is precious and few at times. Making space for what matters most is so important.
Best,
Lucia
This is so needed right now. I’m sure there are many people who have been depressed by the world or their lives right now. We have to adapt and carry on without giving up hope.
Hi Rebecca,
Yes, hope is a haven right now in the midst of this pandemic and uncertainty in our lives. Praying hope and peace for you and yours!
This is beautifully written post and so needed this summer of 2020.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights with us. Indeed, we are not alone and together we can make our days brighter❣️
Rosemary
Hi Rosemary,
Thank you for your kind words. This summer will definitely be one of the most transitional summers I have had. We took the down time to move across town and downsize.
I’m always trying to find ways to live lighter in our lives so getting losing 500 square feet has encouraged me to dig deeper towards my “minimalish” mindset. Knowing we are not alone is a great comfort as well.
Great reminders! We all need encouragement like this and to remember we’re not alone. Thanks for sharing❤️
Hugs, Melanie
Hi Melanie,
Encouragement is like medicine these days, isn’t it? We are all in such need of it. Moving into the months ahead with anticipation of “good things”. Wishing this for you and your family as well!
Best,
Lucia