The challenges within our personal lives can be overwhelming too, especially during these uncertain times. From illness and financial difficulties to isolation and fear of the future, many people are grappling with various forms of stress and anxiety. In the midst of all this, it’s so important to find ways to comfort ourselves and those around us.
Here are some words of comfort that might help:
This too shall pass
These four words may seem like a cliché, but they are a powerful reminder that nothing lasts forever. They remind us that everything is temporary and change is constant. There is always hope for a brighter tomorrow. As we navigate through life’s experiences, we should often reflect on our past experiences and see the grace of God. We can see that many past problems have come and gone, leaving us stronger and wiser. (OH the countless storms I could tell!) Life brings big storms that batter us down, but God always sustains us. No matter what challenges we face today, it's important to remember that they too will eventually pass. With perseverance and resilience, we can climb any mountain and emerge stronger on the other side. It may take time, but we will get there, one step at a time.
You are not alone
One of the most difficult things about facing troubles and uncertain situations is the feeling of isolation, as if nobody understands or cares about what we’re going through. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Everyone is dealing with their own struggles and hardships, and it's important to remember that we are not alone. There are people out there who care about us and want to support us. We just need to reach out and ask for help. For example, I didn’t want to leave El Salvador, but I knew I needed help and so I traveled to the U.S. to receive and be around family who could temporarily take care of me until my health improves. And so always, we must reach out to others for help even when we don’t want it. God has created us humans to be interdependent with one another.
It's okay to not be okay
In a world that often places a premium on appearing strong and in control, it can be difficult to admit when we are struggling. We may feel ashamed or embarrassed to show vulnerability, especially when it seems like everyone else around us has everything together. However, the truth is that none of us are immune to difficulties and challenges. Its part of the human experience and it's okay to not be okay. It is okay to feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed. We don’t have to pretend to be strong all the time. Acknowledging and accepting our emotions is important in dealing with them effectively. By giving ourselves permission to experience our feelings, we can start to understand what we need to do to take care of ourselves. It’s just not okay to constantly live in these negative feelings forever.
Find meaning in the struggle
We all must go through the toughest of trials and difficult situations that can leave us feeling helpless and defeated. However, we can find solace in the knowledge that our struggles are not in vain; they are opportunities from God to help us grow and develop both in our tangible lives and our focus on Jesus Christ. By reflecting on what truly matters in life, we can find meaning in our struggles and use them as opportunities for wonderful change. For example, we need struggles; they are valuable to help us realize our own fragility and limitations and our dependence on God. By embracing our struggles and learning from them, they can serve as a springboard to move us forward toward positive change and growth in our lives. We can emerge from our struggles stronger and more resilient than ever before, ready to face whatever challenges the future may hold.
Practice gratitude
It’s easy to focus on the negative things, but there are so many things to be grateful for.
Practicing gratitude can help us shift our focus away from the difficulties and to navigate towards the many positive things in our lives. By taking the time to actively seek out the good in our lives and to appreciate God and other blessings, we cultivate a more thankful mindset and improve our overall well-being. Focusing on things we are grateful for, such as our health, loved ones, and even small daily pleasures, we can counterbalance negative emotions and find joy in the present moment. Moreover, gratitude has so many other benefits, such us helping to reduce stress, improve sleep, and gives us a greater overall well-being. By making gratitude a regular practice in our lives, we can improve our outlook on life and enhance our overall quality of life.
Take things one day at a time
When we look at the future, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain. We might worry about what's going to happen tomorrow, next week, or next year. But focusing too much on the future can cause anxiety and stress, and it's not always helpful. Instead, we can choose to take things one day at a time. This means focusing on the present moment and what we can do today to move forward. By doing so, we can break down responsibilities into manageable pieces, and avoid getting bogged down by the big picture. Taking things one day at a time allows us to be more present, more mindful, and more productive. It can also help us feel more in control of our lives, even when things seem uncertain. Of course, this doesn't mean that we should ignore the future entirely. It's still important to plan and prepare for what's ahead. But by taking things one day at a time, we can approach the future with greater clarity and confidence, knowing that we're doing the best we can in the present moment.