WHY GO THROUGH TOUGH TIMES?
Sometimes I wonder why we go through tough times in life. But really, deep down, I know the answer - those tough times are what make us stronger. They deepen us, make us more compassionate, and turn us into better people. One word sums it up - Resilience - the ability to face adversity and turn it around. To come out of it with a better understanding of ourselves and our fellow human beings is something to be grateful for after weathering the storm.Five qualities I've noticed that resilient people manifest:
1. THEY MOVE ON
They don't waste time on regrets. There is a place for looking back and learning from setbacks, but resilient people don't choose to dwell there. They take what they've learned on board and move on to the next challenge.
2. THEY EMBRACE CHANGE
They are open to what life brings their way. Change can be confrontational but without it life stagnates. Change is scary but it is ultimately rewarding. Being prepared to adjust and move with the times takes resilience and strength and it brings its own rewards.
3. THEY REPLACE WORRY WITH FAITH
They don't sit and churn and agonise over the "what ifs" and the "should haves". Resilient people know that worry changes nothing. It creates scenarios in our heads that aren't healthy and don't help the situation. Instead they choose to have faith in themselves and their abilities, and many have faith in God, who tells them to cast their cares on Him.
4. THEY CHOOSE HAPPINESS
4. THEY CHOOSE HAPPINESS
They choose happiness as their go-to mood. Being miserable and negative doesn't change the situation, it just makes it worse. Choosing joy, choosing to have a positive attitude, choosing to look on the bright side, looking for a silver lining - these are all qualities resilient people manifest daily.
5. THEY PRACTICE KINDNESS AND FAIRNESS
They know what it's like to go through tough times. They often know what it's like to be treated unfairly, and because of that resilient people choose to treat others with respect and kindness. It costs nothing to be kind and it leaves the receiver in a happier place.
What other characteristics do you notice from people who have faced the fire and come out of it refined and stronger?
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I love these quotes. Most of the time, when I see someone who is really unhappy or stuck in their life, it is one of these things that is holding them back.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true Michele - so much of our happiness depends on how we see our world and how well we bounce back from less than fabulous events.
DeleteIt's all so true. I especially love the one about being kind and fair. Kindness is so underrated these days. Thanks for linking up! #fridayfrivolity
ReplyDeleteKindness is a huge factor in relationships isn't it? The kinder we are to each other the happier we all are.
DeleteI love quotes especially motivation like the first quote.
ReplyDeleteKathleen
Bloggers Pit Stop
Me too Kathleen - they sum things up so succinctly don't they?
DeleteThese are so true. Perhaps the toughest one for me is replacing worry with faith. Geez that can be tough. During hard times worry is like having a drink, it's almost soothing. Faith has to be chased.
ReplyDeleteBeth
Worry has been the biggest bugbear of my life Beth - and it achieves so little. It is still my go-to response when things get a bit scary, but I'm learning to recognize when it's happening and try to let it go.
DeleteI love this as resilience is something I tend to think I'm lacking! I can't think of anything else those who I know are resilient have, other than perhaps a confidence but I think some of that is about choosing happiness and embracing change!
ReplyDeleteI lost my resilience for a while Deb and it is a huge factor in how we cope when things don't go according to plan. When life tosses us a curveball, resilience helps us adapt. I'm gradually getting mine back and I love that I feel less overwhelmed when things are a bit off centre. I hope you find it more too xx
DeleteThis is some great advice. I have struggled with every part of this over the past few years but I think I am finally coming to understand what these things mean and how important they are to living a happy life. I found these really profound. Thank you for sharing them.
ReplyDelete