There are going to be days when it’s harder, darker and more stressful. Days when you will prefer to laze around indoors all day. Days when giving up will seem easier than holding on. Days when you just want to sleep in until it’s over.
These were exactly how I’ve been feeling last month. I was so busy doing so many things, multi-tasking and running around like a zombie, working long hours on end. My brain is fried. My body feels tired.
But struggle and pain are not all that’s there. I know that God didn’t bring me this far for nothing. He would never have put me through anything difficult unless it leads to somewhere greater than where I am now.
The same goes to you, too. When you see your struggle as an opportunity to become stronger, better and wiser, it’d all make perfect sense one day.
Here are some simple reminders I always go back to when I feel down. If you’re having a bad day or awful week, hope you find these helpful, too.
#1 Nothing is permanent.
The saying “This too shall pass.” may sound like a cliché but it is true. Our lives are in perpetual state of change. Nothing ever stays the same. Some circumstances may last longer than you wish they would but know that it won’t be forever. Good or bad, appreciate the fleeting nature of human experience. It’ll be over before you know it.
#2 Experience is the best teacher.
I love this quote from Adventure Time, “Sucking at something is the first step to being sorta good at something.”
Most of the greatest learning that happens in your life is when you mess up so don’t let your mistakes steal away your joy. Charge it to experience and remember that sometimes you win, sometimes you learn. There will be lessons learned the hard way but it is through these experiences that you get better and appreciate life more.
#3 Let go of things beyond your control.
Stop worrying about the things that you can’t change. Free yourself and let them take their own natural course. Fighting a war inside your head every single day can be exhausting. You only have so much emotional energy each day. Don’t fight battles that don’t matter.
#4 Stay positive.
Some circumstances may be out of your control but your perspective and outlook in life is something that is in your power. Choose to be grateful and don’t let your struggles get the best of you. When things go wrong, take a moment to be thankful for the many things that are going right. Decide to see the positive every day, even if some days, you have to search a little harder.
#5 Growth is more important than perfection.
In Gretchen Rubin’s Happiness Project, she said: “Instead of pushing yourself to an impossible ‘perfect,’ and therefore getting nowhere, accept ‘good.’”
Rather than pushing yourself too hard and expecting ‘light bulb’ moments, embrace the journey and progress. It isn’t always about perfect. It’s also about effort. And when you produce that effort every day, change happens. That’s when you grow and transform.
Think about it: Everyone has issues. Everyone. Even those who don’t seem to. Because without issues, nothing would be worthwhile. :)
What else would you add to the list?
Is there any lesson you try to keep in mind when you’re having a bad day?
