Hello my dear reader. This one is going to be a bit more personal. It’s a topic that has been popping up over and over again lately. Actually, it has basically been repeatedly crashing into me. That’s how I knew I HAD to write about it. Let’s make a heavy topic lighter (without taking away from the seriousness). We can all learn how to overcome adversity and shine.
It seems as though many, many people in my circles are facing huge challenges.
You are NOT alone.
If you have followed along with my life, you know I’ve faced some doozies – and I grew from them. Did you know you can learn how to overcome adversity? I didn’t know… until I did. Then there’s the next part – how to shine. It completely changed my life.
My biggest challenges have become my greatest teachers. I wouldn’t have this life without them, and for that, I am thankful. That doesn’t mean there weren’t days that I wished certain things hadn’t happened, and it definitely hasn’t always been easy.
So, what have you been going through lately? What has life thrown your way? I’m her for it. Yes, all of it.
Seriously, I’m here for you. Click HERE to send me a message.
It began when I started sharing about my invisible illnesses, my healing journey, and other life stuff years ago. People started sharing their own challenges with me. Friends, colleagues, acquaintances, online followers, new people upon meeting for the first time… People told me own stories in hopes that I could show them how to overcome adversity.
This has been happening a LOT more lately. Perhaps it’s just a rough year. Maybe it’s because I have been sharing about my evacuation story and life transition. Doesn’t matter the reason, I feel people need this information now more than ever.
What about you? Do you have stuff on your shoulders? Are you ready to overcome and then some?
Great news: I can help you overcome adversity… AND shine!
We’ll start with the basics here. It will be the first phase. If you want or need more, I’ve got you.
Here are 4 steps to overcome adversity and shine.
Step 1: Process
Let yourself think, feel, and do whatever you need. The body and mind need to process. Covering it all up with a smile is called suppression, and it causes bigger problems long-term. The sad, angry, frustrated, disappointed (you get the idea) thoughts and emotions need to flow through first. This is healthy!
Keep in mind that this step will be different for everyone. It can come in waves. Some people may need hours every day for a couple weeks or even months. Part of this depends on how much is happening, and how long it has been since thoughts and emotions were last processed. If lots of big things have been piling up for years it could take a while to process. However, it may not.
Sometimes it only takes one thought shift for everything to process. Either way is completely fine. It doesn’t mean anything about you or your future.
In some cases the thoughts and emotions can be processed in a matter of seconds, on one, deep breath. This is generally what happens when everything is processed regularly throughout the day. It is something that can happen more easily after the backlog has been cleared. It can be a long-term goal, and it is realistic, but it is absolutely not required and may take time to get there.
Processing time can also change as life happens. I was a few second kind of girl, processing even big things rather quickly. Then when I was in the midst of big challenges (evacuation and transition) it took longer. Now that I’m on the other side of that it’s back to being quick. The point is that sometimes outside forces affect it, AND we have a lot of power.
Step 2: Decide
Become aware of your thought patterns. Notice your feelings, and bonus points if you can label them with words. What do you want to think, feel, and do?
Yes, you do have the power to choose your thoughts and feelings.
Decide what you want to change. Make a plan. That brings us to…
Step 3: Change
Follow through. Change the thought patterns you want to change. Take action. Implement that plan you created in the second step. Now is the time to smile if that’s what you decide to do, if that helps you.
Step 4: Shine
This step takes things to a whole new level. Sometimes life events are completely devastating. I would never want to downplay that. We can honor the horrors of adversity AND grow from it.
A special note to the reader who is really hurting right now: I see you, and I’m here for you. This step may not even be on your radar right now. That’s okay. Set it aside until you’re ready. Take all the time you need. In the future, there will be a little spark to tell you there’s more. That’s how you will know you’re ready for for it.
Every single person has the power to turn life experiences into something that serves. We can improve our own situations, help others, and use the lessons of adversity to make a positive impact on the world. Our hardships can guide us to life purpose.
After you have processed, decided, and changed, take some time to reflect. When you think about what you have been through and overcome, what motivates you? Are you passionate about something? It can be completely unrelated to all that stuff in your past, or it can be very related. Either way, the lessons you learn along the way will prepare you to tackle anything. They will enable you to shine.
Looking for more support with how to overcome adversity and shine? I’ve got your back.
Click here to learn about how we can work together.
Overcoming adversity can be challenging and exhausting. It doesn’t have to be lonely, too. I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Together, we can work through every step above. It doesn’t matter what phase you’re in now. Regardless of if you’re in the depths of step 1 (or not even there yet), chugging along in step 4, or anywhere in-between, can move forward together. Let’s do this!
This blog post is about shining (how to overcome adversity and shine). Here are more blog posts related to the word ‘shine’ (but not how to overcome adversity) from other sites:
It’s your time to shine! By Sharla Hallett
www.sharlahallett.com/its-your-time-to-shine/
Shining Brightly in a Dark World by Dianne Vielhuber
https://simplewordsoffaith.com/wp-admin/shining-brightly-in-a-dark-world/
Make this Advent Shine by Jessica Weaver