How to face life's challenges with resilience and hope

There is one thing that is certain in life, you will have challenges. These challenges could be related to; work, relationships, family, health, finances or even bereavement. 

No matter what challenges you're going through, there is always hope. Sometimes you experience challenges to stretch your character. If you don't go through any challenges or problems in life you will not grow. For example, if a baby is learning to walk, if he or she falls and refuses to get up and take further steps, how is that child going to develop and master walking, and eventually start running? It is impossible without determination and consistency.

I am not saying that it is easy when you are enduring a challenge, not at all. It is very emotionally painful and dealing with any insecurities associated with the issue can at times be emotionally overwhelming, especially when you encounter unexpected situations that may be outside your control.  We live in a world where most people want instant answers to their problems. Sometimes it's best to process things that are causing you emotional pain, to have a deep understanding of the root cause and to be more self-reflective, to enable you to understand how to avoid a similar situation in the future. 

The emotions that one could experience when dealing with a challenging issue may include; sadness, anger, loneliness, resentment, anxiety, stress, fear or depression. It's okay to feel one or more of these emotions, being vulnerable is not a weakness, it is a strength. It is easier to use many things to avoid feeling our emotions including; drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, excessive non-productive activities, and food. It is more difficult to deal with your emotions, but it is even more destructive to avoid them as you are not facing the issue but rather running away. Going through vulnerable emotions and accepting them strengthens you. 

How to deal effectively with challenges

Support - You must get the right support, including friends and family that will encourage you. Talking about your problems makes it easier to deal with. Not speaking to anyone and trying to deal with overly challenging situations can cause anxiety, stress, fear and even depression.

Feel the emotions - Using things such as alcohol, drugs, sex, food and watching an excessive amount of TV, is not going to make the issue disappear. You're only avoiding it and living in denial, hoping that it's going to go away, it won't. If you feel like crying, that's fine.

Positive mindset - The difference between a victim and a courageous person is simply their mindset. A positive attitude makes all the difference, it helps you to see an insurmountable problem, as less of a challenge. When you spend too long focusing on negative thoughts, it makes you more fearful.

Learn from the challenge - Challenges help us grow and learn valuable lessons about ourselves and the issues that we are facing. Always ask yourself amid any challenge, how you have contributed to the situation that you are in. Self-reflection helps you to take responsibility for your behaviour instead of blaming others.

Focus on things that will build you - Engage in your hobbies and interests, If you don't have a hobby, then this is the best time to start.

Don't give up - No matter what is happening around you, don't give up on yourself. Whatever you are going through is temporary.