Recently I wrote about how important it is for us to light a candle rather than curse the darkness. We continue to experience troubled times which can create a feeling of hopelessness. Several people have reached out to me and expressed they could relate to what I shared, but they wanted some tips or tools to help navigate the rough waters and hard times. The recent shootings and killings have put many of us on edge. Although my steps are not necessarily a cure-all to end all, they have truly been helpful to me. The real key is to never give up no matter what.
In times of triumph or pain, I always pray. When we stop to pray, we are admitting that there is a higher power in control. Praying is submitting to God and believing he will bring us comfort and guide us through whatever we are experiencing. Prayer helps our spiritual health. Second, I believe it is important to seek wise counsel. Getting professional guidance or support helps with our mental health. The effect of things such as gun violence and innocent people being killed is difficult to process. Third, we should confront whatever the issues are so that we can get to the bottom of the situation. Sometimes confronting is personal, like looking in a mirror and sometimes it is reaching out to another party or parties, like looking out the window, and making sure they realize what they have done. It is just as important for us to look at what role we may have played in the situation, as we hold others accountable for their actions. Fourth, release and let go. In some situations, we have no control, but we do have control over how we handle the situation or how we let it affect us.
The fifth point is the cornerstone forgiveness. When we do not forgive it can hold us back from living a purpose-driven life. The sixth point is what attitude we hold onto. No matter what we are going through it is important to hold onto an attitude of gratitude. As long as we have breath we have a chance to get through even the roughest of times. Stay hopeful. Point seven is the importance of finding joy and happiness in the simplest things of life. Find what brings you happiness and fill your life with those people, places, and things. Also do not lose the joy that is at the center of your core. Try to laugh from time to time. Point eight is the importance of setting goals. When we have things to look forward to it helps take our mind off all the negativity that may be surrounding us in our day-to-day lives. Point nine is the importance of giving back to others. Helping others and giving back to those who need us takes our eyes off ourselves and the things we cannot control.
The final point is to just learn to live life to the fullest. Life is short and every day is a gift for us to make a difference and live out our purpose. We must learn to grow through life and not just go through life. Make most of your life before most of your life is gone.
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift, that is why we call it the present. Use your gift to benefit yourself and to bless others. Following these 10 points, I believe will help you navigate the tough times. There is always hope. Never give up.
Healing Without Hate: It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.