HOW to do hard things

We see the phrase everywhere, “We can do hard things!” While this is great to remember and keep in mind when things are getting tough, it’s HOW we deal with the difficult times that makes those times more or less manageable. 

I bet you’re like me. When I use positive ways to handle hard times, I feel better about how I’m managing the difficulty. But when I use negative ways, I feel worse—about myself, how I’m managing (or not managing) the difficulty, and life in general. Can you relate? 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

So, HOW do we manage doing hard things… First, when we’re calm and in a neutral state we, must identify the POSITIVE and NEGATIVE ways we deal with hard times– which make you feel better and which make you feel worse. Then, when we’re experiencing hard times, we start by being able to NOTICE the patterns and and habits we’re unconsciously slipping into. From there, we can decide to choose a different way to cope. Look at your LIST—what positive ways of coping do you want to use right then? 💪

Now we’re at WHO… Who will support you during this time? Make a list! Haha, but seriously– it’s so hard to think clearly in moments when we’re in a heightened state. Who is part of your community? Who are the people you share both good and hard news with? Who can be honest with you? Those people can help you notice moments when you need to course-correct. They are there to support you, let them. ❤️

Take some time to think about how you will start to notice times when you need to take a step back and reassess your coping. Maybe it’s an inspirational bracelet, necklace or tattoo– whatever that looks like to you. Start to incorporate the noticing and course-correcting in difficult times and it will start to become habit, which will start to change HOW you deal with hard times. 🥰 🥰

Be well 💜