5 Survival Tools for Thriving in Any Life Storm
If you are conscious and honest with yourself, challenges occur
in your life. Some of these challenges will be small. Others
will seem to shake the very foundation of your life and make you
wonder why you were ever born. It is at times like the latter
that you need tools in your shed to help you weather the storm.
1. Connect with Spirit/God/the Universe This is the
first and most important tool. Nurturing your connection to a
Higher Power will alleviate the feeling of loneliness that often
comes when we feel that life is raining on us. When you are
solidly grounded in Spirit, you know that life is always on your
side despite what it may look like at the moment. This job loss
may be the motivation you need in order to start your own
business. Maintain your connection with your God and seek
comfort and guidance there first in all situations.
2. Love yourself. Does this sound a bit like New Age
jargon? Well, it's the second tool you need in your shed or you
will most certainly get caught up in the hurricane. This
hurricane sometimes looks like the end of a relationship that is
completely devastating. The truth is that you are now being
given a divine opportunity to love yourself. Until you are able
to love yourself, you cannot love or be loved by someone else.
This will show up in all of your relationships. The people in
our lives are here to show us how we feel about ourselves and
sometimes to allow us to use our new tools to exert our new
boundaries.
3. Have a vision for your life. Life is a journey. When
you get into your car to drive from Chicago to St. Louis, you
have directions and a map in case you need to take a detour.
Being on your way to your vision is no different than taking a
road trip. You need a clear direction in which to travel and a
map in case you need to take a detour. Write your vision down
and keep it someplace where you will see it. Read it often and
use it to make your plans and to-do lists. This vision is your
map to your future. When you are feeling discouraged, read it
and know that that is where you are headed. Detours may be
necessary; but not only do you not have to stay off course, you
may enjoy the scenery if you realize that this is just a detour.
Read your vision out loud. Every word that leaves your mouth is
a prayer. God always answers prayers.
4. Establish a Network of support. "No man is an island,
entire of itself." John Donne was completely right in this
saying. We are all interconnected and we need to nurture the
support that comes with that interconnectedness if we are to
thrive. If you find yourself in the middle of a storm, turn to
your support network. These are people who love you and want
only the best for you. They will be your shoulder to cry on and
a resource when you're not thinking clearly. If you do not
currently have a strong support system, seek one by hiring a
coach, speaking with your pastor, starting a mastermind group or
joining other groups that are of interest. The key is not to
isolate yourself or think that you have to do it all alone. You
are eternally connected to all life and it is to your advantage
to utilize that connection.
5. Be willing to let go and embrace change. When your
life seems to be falling apart, realize that change is
inevitable and surrender to it. The journey will be much more
pleasant if you aren't dragged along kicking and screaming the
entire way. Focus on what's good in your life and before you
know it, the storm is over and there's a beautiful rainbow
waiting for you.
Life has challenges. This is one of the purposes for
incarnation. Your job is to weather the storm with as little
pain as possible. Ground yourself in your spirituality as a
protective measure. Harbor tremendous love for yourself and see
that the storms are of a lower intensity. Maintain your vision
and stay on course through even the most treacherous turmoil.
Rally your support for extra protection and damage control.
Finally, be willing to embrace change and allow things to fall
away if necessary. Mourn the loss and move on as there are
always better things in store for you. If you open your hands
and let go, there's room for you to receive.