Posted on: August 8, 2012

5 Ways to Survive When Bad Things Happen

5 ways to survive when bad things happen_thumb

 

If you are breathing, at some point, you’ll experience something bad in your life.  It’s inevitable.  So, when that day comes, how do you keep moving forward without letting it paralyze you?

Below are 5 ways to survive when bad things happen:

1. Grieve: It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to mourn a loss of someone or something. Take time to grieve about your loss.

2. Talk with someone:  Get it off your chest.  Holding your difficult circumstances inside can only lead to negative emotions, self-destructive behavior, or even illness.  And, when you speak it aloud, it loses its power in your life.

3. Take a breath:  Be patient.  Take time to process and reflect on your circumstances. Time has a way of giving perspective. So, don’t react, respond instead with patience and prayer.

4. Count your blessings:  Focus on what you have to be thankful for now.  And then, look back and be thankful for all the things you have already survived. 

5. Take that first step:  Start the process of rebuilding, repairing, or recovery. If you struggle with an addiction, join a group to help you recover from it.  If you damaged a relationship, seek forgiveness, and seek counseling to help you repair it.  If you lost a family member or friend, look to God and love those who are still with you.

 

Can you add to this list? Please share your comments.

  • Kwolffette3

    Tragedy and loss build character and strength. Some tragedies make us wiser.

  • http://www.FamilyMinute.com/ Mark Merrill

    So true.

  • Ldwalmick

    I lost my brother to suicide just a few weeks ago. Losing a loved one so suddenly and in that way has made the grieving process much harder. So many unanswered questions. So many hearts are broken. Our family of 5 will never be the same. I’m finding it much harder to move through the grieving process and handle this trial well.

  • donna

    I’m amazed to read your comment – I experienced the exact same thing – losing a brother to suicide only a month ago.  We are a family of nine (seven siblings).  You are right – we will never be the same, and I too, am struggling with grieving, My prayers to you and your family, as I pray for mine.

  • Ldwalmick

    I’m so sorry. I will pray for your family too. It’s going to be a long long road till things feel ok. We just need to press forward as best we can and feel each emotion we have. Take care.

  • CMK25

    I lost a brother to suicide, and he was a very dear, smart, caring person.  It has been over 35 years, but the family truly “does not get over it”.  I think about my brother a lot, and feel deep affection for him and still get emotional.  I’m sorry for your loss.

  • Martha

    I lost my only brother to murder almost 20 years ago. He was shot to death just 3 days before his 30′s birthday. He was the youngest. I’m the middle one and I have a sister just a year older than me. She’s married with a 29-year-old daughter and 24-year-old son.