Starting October of last year, I had been going through one of the toughest challenges in my life, a challenge that would bring many changes, not just for myself but for my family and most especially my son. I was confronted with many choices, things that I had put in the back burner for too long that had started to run after me.
I literally found myself suddenly bombarded with all sorts of existential questions, and even self-doubt. Among the many questions I asked myself these particular ones stood out:
Is this the wise thing to do?
Do I have what it takes to pull through?
Am I ready for all the changes ahead of me?
How do I prove myself?
Could this just be a phase?
It was a very tough situation that I would never wish on anyone, not even my worst enemy, but thankfully, I got through it alive! Though I can't really tell what that situation was, I would like to share some tips on how I survived what I believed were some of the toughest days of my life.
1. Believe that your best days are ahead of you.
It will seem impossible at first, but you have to believe it to help it come true.
If you won't believe that there are better days ahead, you will be stuck sucking up all the negative vibes around you. Always tell yourself: Diamonds and fine gold are born out of fire. This is just a phase to refine you into a better person.
2. Surround yourself with people who won't judge you or tell you what to think, say or do.
This is just as important as #1. The last thing you need is someone breathing down your neck, telling you what you ought to do, what you did wrong, and how you could have escaped the situation you are in. However if you are with people who listen, people who want to understand and know how tough things must be for you right now, you will start to feel something that is possibly one of the best feelings during hard times: acceptance even in being broken.
3. Keep doing what you are passionate about.
Most people stop doing the things they love when they are confronted with tough times. Instead of continuing things they are passionate about, they clam up, become temporary hermits and take a (long and often temporary) rest. But thing is, doing something you like will actually help you pull through. often times, it can be the one thing that you have to look forward to at the end of those long and tough days. So keep doing what you love, even if your days can drain you. It's the best way to recharge and distract yourself from all the other things going on.
Life is tough, and not everyone can manage to act normal or happy when tough times befall them. But if you keep a positive mindset and just keep pressing on, you can pull through and you WILL pull through. And remember, don't be afraid to seek help. There is nothing wrong with soliciting advise from people you trust or even from professionals.
