Three Positive Steps We Can Take in The Face of Adversity

It’s been a while since I last shared a post, but I felt inspired to write one this morning so here goes. I’m not sharing anything new with you, in fact, I’m sure you’ve most probably come across this content many times in recent days, but these are my own words and reflections based on my own experiences. I’ve been using the following techniques for many years to help me through challenging situations and they've been really helpful!

1: Acceptance

To overcome adversity, we have to accept our situation. We cannot fight It or reject it as hard as this sounds. We must try not to stay angry, disappointed, resentful or sad. By all means we should allow ourselves to feel these emotions, indeed welcome them, but if we exert too much energy trying to reject these negatives, we’ll only end up feeling hurt and frustrated. Instead we must learn how to accept difficult situations because when we do, we can free our minds and feel liberated allowing us to move forward more positively.

2: Gratitude

This is a great tool to reconnect us with happiness and help us alleviate ill feelings. It is very simple. All you need to do is start listing the things you are grateful for. You can write these down, say them out loud or think them silently. I try and practice gratitude in the morning before the busyness of modern life takes over. It calms me, it soothes me, it sets me up for my day.

3: Don’t Make News the First Thing

What’s the first thing you do in the morning? The other day (and this is something I never normally do), I turned my WIFI on and started reading the news. I literally felt my chest tighten and my heart rate increase as I read one negative headline after another. I made the same mistake one evening last week, when I watched the news just before bed-again something I never normally do-it took me ages to fall asleep and I had really intense dreams. Needless to say, I have not interacted with the news first thing or last thing since. Of course, I check in with the news, but I choose my moments. Perhaps not everyone reacts this way, but I do believe that absorbing too much negative information first thing in the morning does not prepare us well for the day. Is it really a necessity to check the news first thing? Instead, take a moment to observe. Are the birds singing? Is the wind blowing? Is the morning sunlight creeping through your curtains? Is your toddler crying out for you? Whatever those first moments are, just let yourself be. You have a choice.

I hope this post has been useful. Feel free to visit my blog for many more useful tips and positive thoughts.