Difficult times occur for various reasons; it could be the loss of a family member, loss of a job, a broken friendship or many other reasons. But one thing is certain; you’ll always learn life lessons when you’re going through something difficult. I’ve gone through a difficult time in the last few months and emerged as a stronger person and you’ll do the same thing. I hope that sharing the life lessons I’ve learned is helpful to you.
When you go through something difficult, be gentle with yourself. Comfort yourself the way you would a friend going through the same thing. Sometimes you have to be your own friend and encourage your own heart. That’s more than okay; in fact, it shows that you have strong coping skills. It’s wonderful if you can see that you need to treat yourself with gentleness.
When someone treats you unfairly, unkindly or any other way that’s completely wrong, it’s normal to have the urge to treat them the same way. But not giving in to that actually makes you the better person. You’ve got the stronger character. Learn from the way you’ve been treated. Let it be a lesson to not repeat that behavior toward others.
You can learn so much by watching the actions of others in their life. If you’ve watched someone destroy themselves with an addiction, be vigilant that it doesn’t happen to you. If you’ve stood by as someone drowned in self-pity and bitterness, make the conscious choice to have a grateful heart instead of following in their footsteps. Others can show you exactly who you don’t want to be. Be thankful for that life lesson.
Trying times will reveal this truth with glaring certainty. I’m so thankful for the love and support my husband gave me during the difficult time I went through. It’s sad to learn who isn’t in your corner but it definitely strengthens your bonds with those who are. For me, I learned that my husband always has my back. For you, it may be a friend or family member that devotedly stood by you. Whoever it is, be thankful for those that love and support you in troubling circumstances.
It’s important to allow yourself to feel your feelings when you’re going through something difficult. Don’t deny or repress them. Feelings aren’t wrong. Allow yourself to be angry, sad or whatever other emotion you have. Processing your feelings is healthy and helps you move on.
It’s true that there’re wounds that never completely heal. But they do fade or they heal to the point that it’s only a scar. Time can heal in such beautiful ways. Things that’re devastating today won’t be as difficult in a few weeks or months. Allow time to do it’s work on your heart.
Lastly, after you emerge from a difficult time, you’re going to realize that you’re stronger than you knew. You may not see it in the midst of what you’re facing. This’s something you see more in hindsight. But it’s a wonderful thing to look back and see that you grew as a person through the experience you went through. It can be empowering to see your inner strength!
I hope that this offered some comfort and hope to those of you facing a difficult time. What life lessons have you learned through difficulties? I’d love to hear from you.