“Regardless of what challenges you are facing right now, know that it has not come to stay. It has come to pass. During these times, do what you can with what you have, and ask for help if needed. Most importantly – never surrender. Put things in perspective. Take care of yourself. Find ways to replenish your energy, strengthen your faith, and fortify yourself from the inside out.”

~ Les Brown

You alone are responsible for your physical and emotional well-being. You cannot blame a bad day or month or year on someone else. Challenges and trials are an integral part of life.

If you’ve been knocked down too many times and feel like life is kicking your trash, seek out family and friends to buoy you up. Swallow your pride and force yourself to make that phone call.

I have a sister who picks me up each time I fall. I call her when my world falls apart and she puts me back together again. There was a time when I got fired from a job that I loved. I’d worked there for a year. They didn’t give me any warning. They didn’t write me up for anything. I had no clue that they were displeased with me in any way. One day my boss just called me into his office and said that I wasn’t a good fit for the company, that they were replacing me and would I please get my things and leave. I was shocked. Later, when I called my sister, she encouraged me to come to her house. I went. We talked for hours. She fed me, gave me a special gift and let me curl up on her couch; lay on her lap and just cry. I actually found another job just four days later, but I will always remember her gentle nurturing at a time when I needed it most.

Parents, siblings, your children, or extended family members usually are the people who care about you the most and are truly your best friends. You have so many shared life experiences that you understand each other very well. A sense of belonging gives meaning to life. It’s refreshing to be around people who know your flaws and weaknesses yet love you anyway. When you’re not doing well, hang around those who love you unconditionally.

Friends can also be as supportive as family. I bet you’re lucky enough to have a few close friends who would do anything in the world for you. After talking for a couple of hours over a nice lunch, watching a silly movie or staying up late solving all the world’s problems, you’ll end up feeling a lot better.

Somehow listening to another person’s perspective and empathizing with someone else’s challenges helps us see the big picture. After connecting with someone who really cares about you, you’ll feel strengthened, renewed, and have the courage to carry on.