Facing life’s hurdles with resilience can be a profound journey of self-discovery. When unexpected events arise, your reaction can shape your path – which is why it’s essential that you have effective coping strategies. Without them, you might find yourself stuck, unable to navigate a healthy passage to higher ground.
“Everything nourishes what is strong already.”
—Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
It’s crucial to have a personal foundation to emerge stronger. That’s not to say you won’t ever experience periods of darkness, but you will be better equipped to successfully break through the gloom.
As I reflect on the past decade, I’ve become more self-aware, attributing my growth to age, experience, and beliefs. Over the years, my daily spiritual practices have prepared me to embrace my challenges and to strengthen my inner resilience during tough times.
“I do not fix problems. I fix my thinking. Then problems fix themselves.”
—Louise Hay
I don’t think we come here knowing exactly who we are. Life is about becoming. Our major charge is to discover why we are here through introspection and self-realization. And the process doesn’t occur without the highs and lows.
Here are some ways to help identify your silver lining to keep you moving forward.
Build a Strong Spiritual Foundation
Seek to know yourself intimately. Create a daily spiritual practice that complements your way of life. Participate in activities that make you feel like your life is a gift. For instance, schedule time to walk in nature, grow an indoor or outdoor garden, establish a sanctuary for prayer in your home, and offer to assist someone in need.
Take time throughout the day to relax, breathe and reflect. Commit to a meditation ritual. Turn within and know that beneath the seemingly insurmountable challenges, there’s something bigger and greater than the problem. This helps you recognize the dynamic, ever-changing process of life.
“Go within every day and find the inner strength so that the world will not blow your candle out.”
—Katherine Dunham
Moving 2,000 miles to start anew taught me that setbacks, like divorce, offer profound insights. Remaining genuine and practicing love and forgiveness allowed me to thrive post-breakup. Life’s lessons reveal themselves when we maintain an open heart and take care of ourselves.
Be Patient and Adaptable
Adaptability is key; change is life’s constant. I realize it’s easier said than done, but embracing change is a critical part of taking care of ourselves. Life is constantly flowing, and we must be in the flow to appreciate transformative options.
Starting my holistic business, Lifestyle 120, at the age of 62 underscores this truth. My vision of showing women how to release limiting beliefs and reclaim their power in their golden years was my primary mission. The obstacles, delays, setbacks, and massive learning curve were all setups for fulfilling my sacred journey.
“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.”
—Vivian Greene
Seeing myself as an endlessly unfolding spiritual being, helps me live courageously, learn continuously, and love unconditionally.
Focus on Peace and Well-Being
Keep your well-being at the forefront. In the midst of any predicament, don’t forget who you are and whose you are. You were born to overcome. Do what is yours to do, but release the things you can’t control. Express gratitude for all that is good in your life, surround yourself with positive and supportive people, and follow uplifting stories.
“It is worth remembering that the time of greatest gain in terms of wisdom and inner strength is often that of greatest difficulty.”
—Dalai Lama
A pivotal moment in my life was stepping up as my mother’s sole caregiver while managing a full-time public school teaching career. This experience opened me up, prompting a deeper spiritual connection. Initially, I sought control, wanting to keep her with me indefinitely. With courage, I surrendered to spiritual guidance, relieving a significant burden. This journey revealed unacknowledged truths about myself, teaching me to overcome my ego.
“No matter what kind of challenges or difficulties or painful situations you go through in your life, we all have something deep within us that we can reach down and find the inner strength to get through them.”
—Alana Stewart
In tough times, focus on self-care, cherish your spiritual identity, express gratitude, and, as much as you can, surround yourself with positivity. Appreciate your progress. When you navigate trials and achieve positive outcomes you are a survivor. Understanding oneself involves trusting that things will turn out okay. Cling to the silver lining. You possess the power to steer your future by how you respond to challenges. Beyond the grey, stormy skies lies a serene, azure expanse of peace. Continually renew your awareness of the power and protection of Spirit within.
Reflection Questions:
Share an instance when you endured a tough season. How did you persevere? What strategies did you employ? What did you discover about yourself?
