The unpredictability of life is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, life is always exciting and exhilarating when you don’t know what’s around the corner. On the other, there’s always a degree of trepidation linked to the unknown.
The trouble is that even if you’re blissfully happy now, your life could be turned upside down at any point. It’s very common for life to throw us curveballs, usually when we least expect them. The key is being able to bounce back when you’ve been knocked down. Often, you have to experience the lows to appreciate the highs. If you’re going through a tough time, here are some of the most common curveballs and some tips to help you cope with life’s hardships.
Relationship breakdown
Most of us devote a lot of time and attention to our personal relationships. If you’re going through a rough patch or you’ve recently learned that your partner has been unfaithful or they have told you that they no longer want to be with you, it can feel like the world has come crashing down. The reality is that relationships can both build you up and tear you down, and sometimes, calling it a day is the best thing to do, even though it may not seem like it at the time.
For a union to work, both people have to put in the effort, both have to be happy, and it helps to be on the same page. If you argue all the time, you’ve lost confidence, or you want different things, relationships can be very damaging. Trust your instincts and never underestimate the power and value of time.
Time can be a great healer, and it can give you clarity when your world seems like a confusing place. Lean on those around you for support and guidance, and take every day as it comes. Don’t put pressure on yourself to snap back into a routine or get back out there on the dating scene.
Seek legal advice if you’re worried about custody of children or what will happen to joint assets, and take care of yourself. If you’re struggling to talk to friends or family, it may be beneficial to see a therapist.
Illness
Many of us live in fear of being involved in an accident or falling ill suddenly. Even if you feel fine, and you’re fit and healthy, nobody is immune to illness. Accidents happen and sometimes, diagnoses can come out of nowhere. If you’re dealing with a diagnosis you weren’t expecting, or you’re recovering from an accident, talk about how you feel and try to remain optimistic.
Your mindset can have an incredibly powerful impact on your body and its ability to heal. Follow the advice and instructions you receive from your medical team, and try not to worry too much about the time it takes you to get better or to process the news you have been given.
Sometimes, poor health can act as a trigger to make changes. If you’ve decided to make it your mission to get in shape, for example, don’t dwell on the past and the mistakes you may have made thus far. Look to the future, and concentrate on making the right choices.
Fertility and family problems
If you surveyed a room full of people, you’d find that most rated their family the most important thing in their life. Families can bring us great joy, but life doesn’t always work out how you want it to. Many of us grow up with a template in mind.
We’ll excel at school, go to college, meet the love of our lives, find a great job, get married and have children. For some, these plans fall into place. For others, there are hiccups along the way. It’s often assumed that having children is a rite of passage, but it’s fairly common for couples to experience issues when it comes to becoming parents.
If you’re having difficulties conceiving or you’ve been through several miscarriages or lost children who have been born prematurely, you may feel like there is no hope of becoming a parent, but there are options. Speak to your doctors and fertility specialists and take time to process the information they give you.
Surrogacy may be an option you’d like to explore. If you are interested, it’s important to carry out extensive research and to make sure you understand surrogacy laws. Adoption may be another alternative that appeals to you. Again, do your homework and ensure that you understand what the process entails. Take your time to make decisions, and lean on those around you for emotional support.
Money worries and unemployment
Your bank balance may look alright at the moment, but would you be able to cope if you suddenly lost your job or you had to give up work? Money is one of the most common sources of anxiety for adults in the US. They say that money can’t buy happiness, but there’s no doubt that a lack of money can make life a lot tougher.
If you’re struggling with debts or you’ve recently lost your job or learned that your employer is making cuts, try not to panic. Arrange to see a financial adviser to explore your options when it comes to reducing and managing debts, and start looking for new jobs if you’re worried about unemployment.
Revise and review your resume, tailor it to each specific job advert and sign up with websites and recruitment agencies. If you lack confidence when it comes to interviews, and this is affecting your chances, there are lots of organizations that can help you with this.
Life is often a rollercoaster ride. One minute you’re up, the next you’re down. If you’re going through a tough time at the moment, hopefully, this guide will come in handy. It can be challenging to process unexpected events and news, but often, there is a way through. Take your time, stay positive and have confidence in your own resilience, strength, and courage.
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