Struggling to Keep Perspective
In the moment, when life throws you a curveball, it can be hard to keep perspective. I, for one, do not do well when my plans get changed at the last minute. I struggle to adjust and adapt, when the reality of a situation does not match the To-Do list I have created in my head.
Recently I was going through a situation in my personal life where a project that was supposed to be finished in two months got delayed by 13 additional months. I took it hard. This changed a number of other plans and goals I had for myself coming up, and I felt very overwhelmed by the weight of the world.
I was left feeling like my life was put on hold for over a year. Which simply wasn’t true, but in the heat of it all I found it very difficult to keep perspective of all the good things around me. I lost sight of all the other things I could be doing for the next year, and found myself only focusing on the negative.
Reflecting on My Actions
This experience prompted me to think about how I could have handled this situation differently in hindsight. I started wondering how I could have found the light in the dark, and not let this bad news ruin my entire week.
I don’t run straight into danger
but I do look adversity in the face
I welcome every challenge and all
stumbling blocks I embrace
There isn’t a mountain I can’t climb
or a hill too steep for me
because I know that all troubles have an end
and a bright future I can foresee.
- C.M Dillard
Focusing on the Present
So when you feel like the world is out to get you, what can you do? Well, what I have learned through life experience, is not to let our minds run too far forward. Focus on the now. And most importantly, focus on what you can actually change or work on in the present.
The future is so unpredictable, we could spend our whole life worrying about each and every single possibility, when the likelihood is most of our worst fears will never come true.
Additionally, when we focus on what we have no power to control, we waste time anxious over something we can’t do anything about anyway. We have to learn to stay present in the moment, and tackle each piece of our fears like a puzzle. One piece at a time, instead of overwhelming ourselves with the whole thing.
Finding Motivation and the Light at the End of the Tunnel
I also believe in finding what motivates you, what keeps you going through the hard days and use it to fuel you. When I feel like crumbling, I think of my family, and keep persevering for them. I like to use external motivation to compensate when I can’t find it completely in myself. Having a support system around you is a wonderful thing that can help you get through any dark times.
Always remember, it is okay to let yourself feel. Healthy even. Whatever emotions you are experiencing throughout your hardship, please welcome them. Process them and sit with them.
Just don’t let yourself get lost in them.
Remember that tomorrow is coming, and there is light at the end of the tunnel. But enjoy where you are now as well, the end of the tunnel will still be there when you’re ready to face it.
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