Chi For Yourself

Hard times are a breeding ground for hopelessness. You can slip into a feeling that you can’t win.

But today’s GenuLines message asks some important questions to help you prevail.

(You can listen to this article by clicking on HERE)

Hard Times And Their Important Lessons

These days hopelessness is a common feeling. There’s bad news in the media every day.

On top of that, our lives can bring personal challenges and negativity.

Everyone faces these situations in a different way, though. Some find comfort in religion and spirituality; others turn to meditation or therapy.

Unfortunately, others adopt unhealthy coping mechanisms,. Things like drinking to manage their grief, anguish, and sadness.

But if you look at hard times in a different light you can come up with more positive coping mechanisms.

One good way to reinterpret hardships is to find meaning in them.

And how can you do this?

When you’re facing a negative event, pause, and ask yourself how you can make the event meaningful.

For example, let’s say you get fired from your job. It’s a distressing situation that can leave you feeling afraid, angry, and ashamed.

Especially if you have a family, debt, or you don’t like your chances of finding a new job.

For example, ask yourself questions such as:

• Did I really like that job? Often, we’re stuck in a job that no longer makes us fulfilled, but we’re too scared to quit.

• Is this situation freeing my time for better opportunities? A job you no longer enjoyed could have been a roadblock in your professional development.

• What did I learn from that experience? The skills you learned at that job can be a launching point toward better opportunities.

• What went wrong? In this case, be honest with yourself — why were you fired? Look at the causes and don’t be judgemental.

• Are there any areas for growth? Regardless of what caused the negative situation, think of how you can use the experience to grow.

When you ask yourself these questions you give meaning to a negative situation. And you also take back control of it.

You re-frame the negative as an opportunity to grow and thrive in unexplored areas.

Look at it this way. A lost job is a chance for new growth. A new business, a trip, time off for family and friends, continued education, and more.

It’s healthy to feel down when you have a bad day. But it’s also important to take complete responsibility and be proactive.

Only then, can we find meaning in our lives and reduce uncertainty.

Luckily, this isn’t the only way to find meaning in difficult times.
When hardships come, it’s easy to over-think the situation.

But, dedicating at least some time to others helps put life into perspective.

When you give away your time and energy to help others, you create a connection with them. Life is no longer something that happens to you.

Instead, it becomes a network that you can influence in a positive way.

Finally, difficulties are part of life. Trying to avoid them keeps you from focusing your energy in purposeful, selfless directions.

So face tough times with patience and compassion toward yourself and others.

Every situation leaves its mark. That means you’re growing,

You’re building your own path of self-acceptance and compassion. You have the power to take control of your life by reflecting without judgment.

Accept each situation as an opportunity, and work with and for others.

JohnK 9-14-2020
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Overheard: “Fall seven times, stand up eight”
                             ~Japanese proverb