3 Top Tips For Staying Strong

I think.. A lot. When my mind is in busy thinking mode I dream. A lot. Often my dreams can be just one word that is repeated over and over again.  Earlier this week my word was ‘Resilience’. The online Oxford Dictionary defines resilience as:

• ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape; elasticity
• the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness

Now you all know I’m a glass half full, or actually nearly to the top, kinda girl but that doesn’t mean I haven’t had my fair share of adversity. Trust me when I tell you I’ve probably had more than my fair share, some stories I share, some are other people’s stories to tell. One of the things that I’ve learnt is that whatever is happening you have a choice of how to react. You can choose to curl up in a small ball and hide away or you can choose to rise up from the ashes like the phoenix and live again.  It’s not always an easy option, it’s a conscious decision but it’s so worth it.

Here are my 3 top tips for staying strong;

1. Be grateful

There are times in life when finding anything to be grateful for seems almost laughable but you can if you look hard enough. Be grateful for the fresh water you have, the bed to rest your head on at night, your family/friends, the birds that sing each morning, the sun, the flowers/trees, even down to toothpaste to make your mouth feel fresh.

2. Talk to someone

I’m quite a private person so I only share with a selected few, but as the years have gone on I’ve been happier to share more as it brings me a connection with others that I wouldn’t have had. Find someone you can share how you’re feeling with. Ultimately you have all of the answers within you but talking things through can get you through the toughest of times and you will be blown away by some of the stories others tell you around things they have faced and overcome.

3. Be positive

When you dwell on your problem for too long it can be all consuming. Find a way to be positive and optimistic. There are often lessons to be learned in adversity. I am so happy I’ve been through all I have because it’s shaped me into who I am and now I can help others because I ‘get it’ having had those experiences.  It’s not hiding the problem but remaining optimistic and believing things can get better.