A new way to handle things when life doesn’t go as planned

(<2 minute read time)

Think back to New Year’s Day 2020.  What did you anticipate this year would be like?  

Most, if not all, of us aren’t living life as we envisioned back then.  Things didn’t go as we planned.   

Our circumstances are different than we imagined.  For many of us, the gap between what we anticipated and our actual reality can feel frustrating, frightening, even depressing.    

Despite the gap, we do not have to settle into believing this year is a lost cause.  Yet, many of us have done just that.  We’ve all been hearing versions of “I can’t wait for 2020 to be over” for the last 6 months.  

Why?  Why do we want this year over and done with?

Because we think it’s hard.  

And the truth is, it IS hard for many people.  Lives have been tragically lost.  Businesses have closed.  Many jobs have changed significantly, and others have been eliminated altogether.  Parenting has changed.  Basic essentials have been tough to find.  Having a sense of safety and security may seem elusive.      

So what are we to do when life is just plain hard?  

Most often I see one of two responses…

1. Give up – May sound something like “It’s just not a good year, there’s not much I can do”  
2. Grin and bear it – We try to act like it’s ok when really we feel awful.  This never works effectively or for very long.      

I want to offer a third option. 

Allow it.  

Let it be hard and simultaneously, do what you know needs to be done.  We are not supposed to feel happy all of the time.  In fact, it’s in these most challenging times we experience the most growth.     

Need a hand making the best of the rest of 2020?   I can definitely help.  Click here to chat!