When tragedy strikes or life knocks you down, how do you cope? What can we do to face life’s most difficult moments with grace? Here’s four ideas:
1. Don’t Hide or Fall into Silence Thinking You Are Alone
When something bad happens, we tend to close off and not to talk to anyone because, ”they don’t understand me, ” or “they haven’t been through this.” But, as harsh as it might sound when you are struggling, the reality is that nothing you are going through right now is unique… With seven billion people on the planet, and thousands of years of recorded history, please trust that someone has been through your circumstances. One of the greatest ways to cope is to realize you are not alone and to get social support. Ask to talk to someone. Call a friend. Go to a support group. You might be surprised to learn how many people care, how many have been through what you’ve been through, how many can help and provide perspective.
2. Define Your Meaning
When something bad happens, ask, “What does this mean to me?” and be bigger than thinking everything in life is permanent or your fault. Find an optimistic meaning for what you are going through, even if it seems like nothing good could come from it. You will get stronger if you decide the meaning of the event is there to teach you something, to allow you to grow, to urge you to change or be kind or take action. What lesson can be learned that will make you better or happier or more successful in the future?
3. Keep Your Perspective
Remember, you’ve been through tough times before and your circumstances will change. The struggle will lessen. It will hurt less one day. Trust things will improve. This too shall pass. Even if life suck right now, you have to believe things will get better, there will be light soon, you will make it through. Remember your blessings and strength and values and dreams… those things will keep you grateful and ready.
4. Keep a Vision of the Future that Draws Enthusiasm, Excitement and Engagement
No matter what, every single day, keep your enthusiasm for the day and for tomorrow alive. You control the meaning you give things, and thus the energy and emotion of your life. Keep a bright future at the forefront of your mind and everyday take at least one step toward it. You can do at least a few things today to move yourself forward. You are stronger than you imagine and a brighter day will be here soon.
* Source: Brendon Burchard – How To Cope With Tragedy