Life has a strange way of testing our strength. It is an unpredictable chain of events that eventually make us who we are. It is the perfect balance between the good and the ugly. One just doesn’t exist without the other.
You hop on the rollercoaster and you’re scared to death, but you just go for it. You go with the flow. And it is actually pretty fun at the beginning. It takes you on some of your best and most exuberant adventures ever. Adrenaline rushes through your body. You feel more vibrant than ever.
And then, right before you know it, you start falling down. You get hurt and it feels like everything you ever knew and believe in was shattered into tiny pieces. But, at the end of the day, it is a part of our existence.
The cold truth is: Things won’t always turn up the way we want. The only thing we can actually control is our reaction to it. That’s why it is so important to embrace the possible challenges and make the best of life.
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll
So, here are the most fundamental things you should always remind yourself when you hit rock bottom:
1. THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL IS REAL
No matter how dark, frightening and terrifying the tunnel is, there’s always a tiny speck of light, that just becomes larger and larger as we continue moving forward.
Even in the most difficult times in life, there is always something positive we could cling on to. “It is always darkest before the Day dawneth.”
2. YOU CAN AND YOU WILL HANDLE THIS
Life will always take you to destinations you’ve never been before. And sometimes you’re not going to like it. Sometimes there will be things you won’t be able to digest easily.
But, like everything else before this, you CAN overcome it. And that’s exactly what you are going to. Because you’re much stronger than you think.
3. NEVER EVER FORGET YOUR OWN WORTH
Don’t you ever let anyone tell you or make you feel like you don’t matter. Never ever allow yourself to doubt your worth. You are amazing and beautiful. You matter. And you are a courageous human being.
At the end of the day, what others say about you, says more of them than of you. Don’t let them hurt you.
4. NOTHING LASTS FOREVER
The bad news: Nothing lasts forever; The good news: Nothing lasts forever. This is by far the most disappointing, yet relieving and satisfying truth I’ve ever heard.
Everything in this life is temporary. So, wherever you are at this moment, just close your eyes and take a deep breath. Because tomorrow is a new day. And a new day is a brand-new opportunity. The blessing you’ve been yearning for. Hold on to that.
5. PAIN IS JUST A WAY OF GROWING
It turned out that growing is really a trap because sometimes it can hurt like hell. But, the most important thing is that, in the end, everything we’ve ever experienced is just another life lesson.
Nothing ever happens in vain. It is there for a reason even if we fail to perceive its purpose. It is there to teach us something valuable and make us stronger than ever. Live it. LEARN IT.
6. EMBRACE YOUR FEELINGS INSTEAD OF FIGHTING THEM
The first step on the journey of self-acceptance is embracing your deepest emotions. Every part of you, even those darkest bits that scare you inexplicably.
Whatever you feel, whatever is inside you, embrace it instead of fighting it. Whether you like it or not, it is still a part of you. Turning your back on these emotions will only make things worse.
7. DON’T FORGET THAT YOU HAVE PEOPLE YOU COULD TURN TO
Our family is the most important part of our lives. So, whatever happens, never hesitate to reach out to the people who’ll always be there for you. The ones who love you unconditionally.
Because YOU should never have to suffer in the dark. YOU should never be afraid to expose your emotions. The ones who truly love us will always understand our pain.
8. CHOOSE TO FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE
It is not all black out there. Instead of surrounding yourself with darkness, try to focus on the positive aspects of your life.
If you need something that will serve as a quick reminder to you, open up a journal. Develop a habit to write down the things you’re grateful for, each and every day.
Watch as the pages of your diary slowly turn into a memento of your life. Count your blessings and be grateful for them.
Image: R J Poole
