5 Ways To Remain Positive When You’re Going Through A Rough Patch In Life

It is a known fact that there are times that you and I would go through negative situations in life. It can reach to the point where you feel overwhelmed by the problems and defeating thoughts begin to invade your senses. Your vision become so obscured that you feel like you are the only one out of everyone else around you that is going through a rough patch in life. You glance across the room and seeing that bottle of pills, you figure swallowing them all will be the preferred way to go as opposed to enduring another day of the pain. Yes, I have been there!

It is especially harder around the holidays because deep within your heart you know it is supposed to be joyful. Yet, there you are in isolation as you suffer loss of appetite. You lie awake in the stillness of the night wishing that the pain would just go away. You hurt in silence and the only sound that can be heard are the tear drops that roll down your face. It is then you wish you had another life, because you are thinking ‘the one that you have is horrible.’

The amazing thing though, if you are experiencing hard times at this very present moment, or you are aware of someone else who is, you are not alone! People all around the world of all color and race are struggling. They are struggling economically. They are having a hard time financially and for many the outlook simply looks bleak.

More related post from EMB: Finding Your Keys To Success In Economically Trying Times

But today, your life can be changed for the better. Here are 5 ways to remain positive when life gets hard and the place you are in gets rough –

1.  Count yourself blessed and in everything give thanks.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) There is always something to be thankful for no matter how small and insignificant it may seem. Your attitude of gratitude opens up the door for God to move into your situation and begin to bring about the change that your heart desires. If all you do is complain and focus your energy on what you do not have, you will never have enough. Give thanks unto God and wait for the manifestation of more pouring into your life.

2.  Take ownership of who you are.
Not sure of who you are? Here are a few truths revealed about you. You are compete in Christ who is the head of all principality (Colossians 2:10) You are far from oppression and fear does not come near you (Isaiah 54:14) You are born of God and the evil one cannot touch you (1 John 5:18) You have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) You have the greater one living inside of you; for greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4) Are you still in doubt? You have no lack because God supplies all of your needs according to His marvelous riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

More related post from EMB: You Are Surrounded With Infinite Possibilities Of Choice: 6 Ways To Maximize Them

3. Celebrate with your friends and neighbors who are enjoying their life and blessings
This may be easier said than done, especially that while you are struggling, there are people around you who are having a far better experience than you are. Can you honestly stay positive? Yes, you can as you pull on that positive energy and you tap into their ‘anointing.’ It’s called being there for one another. Give them your love and support and in turn they will support you and celebrate with you when you time comes. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15 ESV)

4.  Focus on redefining or setting new goals
What worked for you in the past? Which ones gave you the highest payback or returns? Which ones are not working out? As it relates to the latter, therein lies the opportunity for improvement. Ask yourself ‘am I setting S-M-A-R-T (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-Sensitive) goals?’ If you are having serious financial struggles, it is also a good time to work from a budget. Start with projects that are small and easy to attain before moving on to larger projects

5.  Take control of your responses
One of the easiest ways to give a negative response to someone is when you are in the middle of a struggle or a problem that you are still trying to make sense of. The truth is, your frustration level is high, and emotions are running wild. But if you respond out of your emotions you will only make things worst. It will be helpful that you think carefully about what you are going to say first and foremost before you say it. You may also want to take deep breaths while you count to 10. You win when you stay positive in a negative situation.

Your turn….

How do you stay positive in a negative situation? What else would you add to this list? I would love to hear your response in comment form below.

photo source