Five things to remember when Life feels hard
and how to move through these times.
Throughout life we experience the duality of both good times and hard times. When times are good, you might get a glimpse of what an expansive and aligned life might feel and look like OR you might feel like you are waiting for the next shoe to drop.
We must remember that we cannot avoid the hard times in life. They are inevitable. Life wouldn’t be “life” without them. Some of our GREATEST and most POTENT lessons and growth periods are from these hard and challenging times.
This also doesn’t mean that in order to experience the fullness of life we need to experience the hard times. It means that maybe we can remind ourselves that on the other side of the hard times, that there might be an opportunity for more softer times.
When we have the right resources, supports and reminders for these difficult periods in life, we can begin to move through them a little more gently and softly.
Five things to remember when life gets hard
It's okay to take a break and prioritize self-care.
Looking after yourself during these times in the ways that feel good and nurturing for you is the greatest act of self-care and love that we can give ourselves.
Remember that tough times are temporary and things will get better. Nothing is permanent and nothing ever lasts. Allow the hard time to move through you like a wave, feeling the ebbs and flows of emotions and allowing the feelings to alchemize into deeper feelings of love and joy.
Focus on what you can control and take small steps towards progress.
When times are hard, it might feel like you are out of control. That things are just happening without being able to stop them. Think about all of the things that you ARE in control of. Drinking a glass of water, booking a therapy or doctors appointment, calling a friend, taking a bath or shower, going for a walk in nature, taking fuller breaths, nourishing your body with food.
Practice gratitude and try to find light in even the smallest things.
When times feel hard it might feel impossible to feel any glimmer of good. Gratitude might even feel like an eye roll or an annoying practice, and that’s ok! Gratitude and finding light in the small things can help our nervous systems feel safe and produce dopamine which is our “feel good” neurotransmitter.
Lean on your support system of friends and family for help and encouragement.
When times are hard and you are feeling stuck in the dark tenches of life, remember that you are never alone. Call on your support team and write a list of people who you feel safe with. Working with a Registered counsellor or therapist is a great option to feel fully held and heard.
Work with a therapist or coach to help dismantle your thoughts and support you during these challenging times.