How to Stay Motivated and Positive in the Face of Adversity

You've just been laid off and you are 5 months pregnant with your first child. No one wants to hire you when you look like a beached whale and your hair is nappy. In the meantime, the bills are piling in and creditors are literally knocking at your door (because your phone has been disconnected). What are you going to do?

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Self-help/enrichment books
• Determination and goals
• Confidence in your abilities
• A close and dear confidante

1. If you're not working, get out of the house each day, even if it's just to take a walk or get some fresh air. Use this time to appreciate the natural beauty of your surroundings. Realize how blessed you are to see, hear, feel, smell and taste. Don't forget to spend a few minutes each day studying your Bible or other wise book.

2. Focus on what you already have, even if you don't have a lot of material or monetary things. Most of our blessings come in the smallest of packages; they are the things we tend to take for granted.

3. Exercise to strengthen your mind and body. You'll look and feel like a million bucks, even if you don't have it.

4. Surround yourself with positive, goal-driven people who want something out of life and are doing what is necessary to get it. Don't waste time on those who are constantly complaining about something or criticizing your dreams, ideas and plans for the future.

5. Find something that you enjoy doing and are really good at. Turn it into an opportunity to make money and new friends. Refer to those self-help/enrichment books for ideas and tips.

6. Be persistent. If something doesn't work the first time you try it, don't give up. Keep working at it and look for ways to improve your approach.

7. Join a support group online or in your local area. Listening to others in need can be therapeutic for you and them. Inspire each other and don't judge.

8. Learn to forgive those who hurt you in the past and let go of things you have no control over. This baggage will overwhelm and consume you if it's allowed to fester. Be open to a new relationship and KNOW that you are still quite a catch!

9. If you're fortunate enough to be a parent, look into your angel's beautiful eyes and smile. Give him or her a bear hug and kiss and listen to them coo. Do this at least 10 times a day if you can. Don't forget to say I love you.

10. Stay organized and focus on what needs to be done. Make a list of items that are to be addressed, devise a detailed plan and stick to it. Before you know it, you'll start to work your way through the maze.

11. Reach out to someone else in need and offer a little of yourself. Volunteer at a local nursing home or become a big brother or big sister to a neighborhood youngster, if time permits. You'll find it very rewarding.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are working and find that some of your anxiety is due to a difficult boss or colleague, try talking to them one-on-one to resolve the problem. If this doesn't work, go to Human Resources.
• If you are financially able, pamper yourself at least once a month. Treat yourself to a massage, manicure, pedicure and facial. If those aren't your thing, check out a movie or play at a local theater and feast afterward at your favorite restaurant.
• Do not allow negativity and self-doubt to control your destiny. Know that you have a purpose and that you are special.
• Don't let depression drive you to contemplate suicide. If you start to have these thoughts, immediately reach out and seek guidance from someone you trust, for instance, a family pastor or a close relative. If nothing seems to work, you need to seek professional help.
• Avoid talk shows and soap operas like the plague! These drama sagas will leave you wanting to cry your eyes out and never leave the house. Instead, keep yourself active and your mind occupied with uplifting thoughts.

Resources

• IVillage topic dealing with depression
• Discovery Health

[cjtheencourager]

on 11/27/2008 Absolutely fantastic!
CJ

[2besure]

on 5/11/2008 Reach out to someone else in need and offer a little of yourself...
Very important point.

[2besure]

on 5/11/2008 You need to send this article to everyone in the US. We are going to have to stay positive to make it.