Remember, the sun will come out tomorrow!

When is enough, enough? With all the recent winter snow, rain and wind, are you tired of it and feeling you’ve had enough? Even though it seems like winter will never end, we know it won’t last forever. We want the sun to come out tomorrow. There are also times in life when it feels like the bad stuff won’t end. Then it’s easy to feel like giving up. Maybe you have challenges in your work or relationships. You may feel like the struggle is not worth it – but don’t give up! Let’s look at what to do to make it better.

First, get ready! Make sure you are healthy and have that overdue checkup. Get your energy up by practicing healthy habits like good sleep, good food and having a social life are helpful, too. Movements, such as exercise or dancing, release endorphins that contribute to improved mood and can give you energy.

Next, identify what’s causing the problem and recognize what you can control and what you can’t. The serenity prayer, originated by Reinhold Niebuhr, is good advice. It goes, “God, give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” With the weather, we can’t change it but we can change how we deal with it. The same is true for some other challenges in life. When you are in a difficult or threatening situation, it can seem overwhelming. However, it’s important to find a way to handle the situation.

A good mindset can help. You can change how you think about a situation, even if the situation is difficult or impossible to change. It does no good to harbor negative thoughts, because it will only bring you down further. Acknowledge that you feel down but then make a conscious decision to go forward with thoughts that empower you. Meditation and prayer may help you feel calmer and know that you are not alone.

Now, make a plan. When you realize that “enough is enough” and you must change a situation, getting a plan in place can feel invigorating. A plan with specific steps helps you build the vision you have for what you want in your life and it will be comforting to know you are moving in the right direction.

Rally support. If you feel the situation is insurmountable, find some positive people and brainstorm possibilities. If you have a loving family, ask them for help. Places of worship, even if you don’t belong to one, often have resources. If needed, be sure to get professional help. Marie Forleo said, “Everything is figureoutable.” When you have others helping and encouraging you, it’s a lot easier. When you also encourage yourself by telling yourself you can do it, you can break through the invisible walls that keep you in your own prison.

Celebrate you and your journey to make life better. People have different strengths. Identifying your strengths and finding your purpose in life will help give you the incentive to go on. We all have things we can do to make a difference. Mark Twain said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Your life has meaning!

What about you? Are there areas in your life where you feel like giving up?

Here are some thoughts: If you don’t like how your life is, we encourage you to change it! There are lots of other things to do to see if they bring you more joy. You could move somewhere else, get a different job, try a new adventure, be with different people and there are many more things to try. If you are in a relationship or career that you dislike, weigh the pros and cons and make a conscious decision to change either the situation, the mindset or both. It may take courage but you can do it, especially if you ask for some help. As you take action, others will come along side you to help you on your journey.

Next weekend, Annie, a famous Broadway show, will be produced at Mount Calvary Church in Excelsior. You might enjoy this story of an optimistic orphan who met challenges by looking at the brighter side and believing that the sun will come out tomorrow. The winter storms in our life are challenging, but we can weather them by making the necessary changes, staying optimistic and remembering that the sun will come out tomorrow.

Chanhassen residents Doug and Lynn Nodland are Success Coaches and owners of The Balance Center. They can be contacted at WeCare@SharingLifesLessons.com

© Doug and Lynn Nodland 2019 Articles and videos may be shared in their entirety with attribution.