Maria Diaz, LMHC, LPC, EMDR Certified Therapist
Licensed to Practice in NY, NJ, CT and FL
Throughout the past few weeks, the theme around perspective has been yelling in my ear loud and clear. As a wife, mom of two very active children, therapist and business owner it's one of the many things I had to lean on when I recently fell, fractured my ankle and had to have surgery all within the same week. Talk about perspective when chaos appears to be erupting all around you. And as if this weren't enough, my doctor tells me I can't drive for two months and must cancel my family trip to Puerto Rico. What????!!! Believe it or not, I was pretty calm when the doctor gave me the news about the severity of my injury. Some may think I was too calm, but as someone who has worked hard to find healthier ways of managing stress, I knew that reacting versus responding would not serve me well. My options were to become overwhelmed with emotions or accept the situation at hand. So, I immediately decided to accept what I couldn't control and process what was happening without getting too far ahead of myself.
In light of all that has happened, I'm hoping, that in sharing my experience, I can share some tips that may help someone when it feels like everything around them is falling apart.
Although difficult, in challenging times, it's important to cultivate a proactive mindset that allows us to navigate hurdles and overcome obstacles. Adopting a fresh perspective to build resilience and effectively coping with tough times can reduce stress and overwhelming feelings. In the face of adversity, it is easy to get consumed by negativity and lose sight of potential opportunities for growth and personal development. However, it is during these tough moments that adopting a fresh perspective becomes more important than ever and so I created a list of the things that helped me get through.
1. Acknowledge and express emotions: It is vital to acknowledge and accept the emotions that arise from tough situations. By doing so, we can release the negative energy and make room for a more positive outlook.
2. Identify areas of control: In tough times, it is important to focus on what we can control rather than dwell on what is beyond our reach. By identifying areas where we can exert influence and take action, we regain a sense of empowerment.
3. Seek alternative viewpoints: Engaging in conversations with others who have faced similar challenges can offer fresh perspectives and valuable insights. It can help broaden our understanding and can lead to creative solutions that one may have not thought of.
4. Embrace change and adaptability: In tough times, adaptability is key. By cultivating a mindset that embraces change, we are more likely to find new opportunities and creative solutions to overcome obstacles.
5. Practice gratitude: During challenging periods, it is easy to become fixated on what is going wrong. However, cultivating a gratitude practice can help shift our focus to what is going right, no matter how small. This change in perspective can bring a renewed sense of hope and positivity.
6. Focus on personal growth: Tough times provide an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Taking time to identify our strengths and weaknesses allows us to work on areas that need improvement and develop new skills, fostering resilience for the future.
Building resilience in tough times is not an overnight process, but by adopting a fresh perspective and embracing the challenges as opportunities for growth, we can navigate through even the most challenging circumstances. Remember, tough times do not define us; it is our response to them that truly shapes our resilience.
Final thoughts, when faced with tough times, shifting our perspective can make all the difference. By acknowledging emotions, identifying areas of control, seeking alternative viewpoints, embracing change, practicing gratitude, and focusing on personal growth, we can build resilience and emerge stronger than ever.
*Content on this page does not constitute as medical advice by Maria Diaz, LMHC *
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