Weekly Prompt #14: How can we build resilience and develop a more positive outlook on life, even in the face of challenging circumstances?
Hello everyone, I hope everyone is having a good week.
In the last week, we discussed How do you compare yourself to others? If you haven't checked yet, please click here to add your thoughts.
This week's prompt is: How can we build resilience and develop a more positive outlook on life, even in the face of challenging circumstances?
Life can be a rollercoaster ride, full of ups and downs, and sometimes it feels like we're barely hanging on. So if we can build resilience and positivity along the way, it will help us embrace the rollercoaster ride that is life. Let's discuss it today and find ways to build resilience.
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@ASilentObserver
Regarding:
- How can we build resilience and develop a more positive outlook on life, even in the face of challenging circumstances?
One possibility is to use:
- "The power of the word yet" in one's thinking.
Instead of thinking, I can't do that.
Think, I can't do that yet.
That opens up all kinds of possibilities to the mind.
Then the mind will think of solutions on it's own.
@7motivation
I love that idea. Thanks for sharing with us!
@7motivation That's an insightful idea, focusing on what's possible instead of what's not.
@ASilentObserver By taking things slow. As you point out, think of life like a seed. As a seed, it takes time to grow, and there will be times, when the seed, needs to be re-planted, and that it is ok. It is ok, to take your time, when growing. It is better sometimes, to take things slowly. It is your life, and you should not let anyone control it. Your, in charge of your own destiny. With that being said, it is ok to seek help when it is needed and to talk with people, who can help you, when you need help, with your destiny. Life, can be a challenge sometimes. 7cups can be a challenge at times, but both life and 7cups does not have to be so challenging, that it becomes so hard for you. Please reach out. I did. I am so glad I did. I am glad, to have you as a mentor and friend as we work together, on what my new road, will look like, here at 7cups.
@calmMango9611 It sounds like you value taking things slowly and at your own pace. Focusing on yourself and what feels right for you can be empowering.
@ASilentObserver
Hi, ASO,
I saw this question when you posted it and I just moved to another page. I didn't want to answer it. I still find it painful to think of an answer to this question. My life has been the equivalent of a new york times best selling novel, that has to be released in volumes because so much has happened that it could not all fit in one book. And these are painful things that have happened. These are not cheerful things. And the past 3 months has seen me move (alone with no help), manage an application to grad school, cut off a toxic family member (the last blood family member of mine), deal with car problems, deal with a neighbor who was physically harassing me, and all the big to little myriad details each problem brings. Oh, I was also fired from a *** job. And now I have a new neighbor who's terrible music I can hear through the walls. So, as you can imagine, I am not thrilled with the new neighbor. More problems in life that require me to dig deep for more resilience are a painful subject for me. Right now my leasing office is closed as it is after hours on a saturday, so I am blaring my own classical music right back at the new neighbors. I hate neighbors who are so stupid that they cannot care about how they affect the people living around them. It only causes me stress.
@purpleTree4652
I can relate to this big time! It's a shame that you've had to battle so many hardships alone, but can I also say that it's really amazing that you've been strong enough to come out to the other side. So many people wouldn't. We should be able to rely on a strong community of family and friends, but some of us just don't have that. Instead, it's cool to know that you can go it alone. You're capable. You're resilient.
@GoldenNest2727
Hi, Nest,
Thank you so much. I need that validation.
Love and blessings,
tree
@purpleTree4652 First of all thank you for the courage to share your thoughts Tree and I understand how painful it can be to think of some things and events of our lives. But please know you can share what you feel comfortable to share and rest can share later as you feel comfortable to share. I'm sorry to hear you've been going through such a difficult time lately. It must have been very stressful dealing with so many challenges all at once. That sounds incredibly overwhelming and exhausting. How are you managing to take care of yourself through all this?
Please know we are all here for you.
@ASilentObserver
Yeah, I'm not doing real well right now.
I'm trying to stay ahead of what I need to do. That helps because it would be worse if I didn't stay ahead of what needs to be done. It gives me some relief.
But now I need a job. I'm running out of money. I think I have about 2 months of money left. But that means I wouldn't be able to pay for my first semester. So, I'm stressed.
I applied for a student loan and it was granted, but I was hoping not to use it. But I guess I should just accept it and release that branch of stress off myself.
I haven't been doing well relieving my stress lately.
I try to remind myself about the difficult things that I've overcome in the past. This seems to shore me up for the next battle.
@GoldenNest2727 That's a helpful way to remind yourself of your inner strength. What past challenges come to mind that help build your resilience? I'm glad you've found strategies that work for you.
@ASilentObserver
For me the greatest change I made in my recovery was the use of gratitude - something I used to think was silly. When I got those overwhelming thoughts of dread I would sit myself down and write 5 things that I was grateful for. I think reframing my thoughts really helped in switching the perspective. It started seeming like life wasnt all bad all the time!
@charmingEagle47 That's a meaningful practice you've discovered. Reframing negative thoughts into gratitude helps shift your perspective in a positive direction. What impact did writing things you're grateful for have on your mood?
@ASilentObserver it definitely helped me calm down when things got tough! Over time I became a lot less pessimistic which made me have a bigger stress tolerance too!