How to stay strong in tough times

My country is going through a rough patch at the moment. Hell,the whole world is going through a rough patch at the moment. Also, I am personally going through a rough patch at the moment. In more ways than one. 

Maybe you are going through a rought patch too. It can be really tough to stay motivated when it feels like your world is crashing down around you. Many people are living from week to week and struggling to make ends meet. Others are struggling with gloom and depressive thoughts. And everyone seems more sceptical and more unhappy than ever.

So what do you need most when you are going through a rough patch (other than a stroke of good luck of course) ?

Yeap,you've guessed it. You need strength!

How do you stay happy,strong and positive when in tough times? Here's how:  

The 10 Commandments of staying strong in tough times 

1. You are stronger than you think you are

Tough times call for stamina and endurance. Yes,you are strong. Yes,you'll live through this. No,you won't lose your mind. Yes,you'll be OK in the end,no matter what. You just have to find your second wind. You just have to believe that you have it in you.This is the most important and most difficult thing to do especially if your confidence has been shaken. It’s even harder when you lack the support behind you.Remember, this too will pass . IT ALWAYS DOES. One way or another.

2. Strength always comes from within,never from an outside source

Noone and nothing can give or take strength away from you without your consent. Even if it appears to be so. It is just you empowering or belittling yourself. Toxic thoughts create toxic emotions. If you think of  fearful thoughts you will feel fearful. If you think you’re desperate you will feel desperate. Repeat to yourself often enough how strong you are and voila! you are stronger already. It's as simple as that. I promise. Try it. Repeat after me: ''I am strong,powerful and focused''. Say it aloud,say it with conviction. Repeat as many times as needed.

3. The ultimate kind of Strength is actually Love

This is why strength is actually love.You see,there are only two kinds of  emotions: Love and fear. Fear freezes you,terrifies and stupifies you. The opposite of fear is not bravery or strength. It is actually love,because when you love- life,yourself,a person,a pet,a sunset,a hobby, God or whatever- you are simply incapable of feeling any fear in your heart towards them. Love drives fear away.  So if you need more strength in all areas of your life,incorporate more love. The more love you fill your heart with in a certain area of your life,the more love you will witness showing up in all other areas of your life as well. Tried and tested guys, I promise!

4. The more strength you share,the more you have for yourself

No matter how bad things get, it’s always possible to find someone else who’s in an even tougher spot.

So share your strength and courage with others. Combine resources with them, help with practical or emotional issues. Your levels of strength will automatically rise as a result of it  Remember,the more you give,the more you get back.

5.There is no strength without truth and honesty

I cannot stress enough the importance of facing the reality of your situation.  Don't do the ostrich thing. Admit how hard things are for you, admit the seriousness of your situation. Accept your fair share of responsibility. Admit that you are scared, lost,helples,desperate. Admit it to yourself .BUT ,always put the word but next to it: ''I am feeling lost BUT I am strong and eventually I'll pull it through''.

6.Fun and sense of humor can fuel strength

 Laugh in the face of the absurdity of your pains and troubles. No,I don't mean you should minimize or pretend that your troubles don’t exist. But if you are able to find humor in every situation ,you'll cope more effectively. And have fun,fun,more fun. Incorporate more fun in your daily activities.Keep yourself entertained without spending much: entertainment and fun doesn’t have to mean spending money. You can have a great time with your friends, relatives,kids, with your pet and with your partner. Put fun high up in your daily list of to-do things. Make it a habit. Your mental and emotional wellbeing depend on that,especially in rough times.

7. Strength and imagery

One of the things you can do is to think about what it will be like when the turmoil is over. Imagine that as clearly as you possibly can. Imagine every detail in living color and sound. Use all of your five senses in imagining what it will be like. Keep working on it until it is crystal clear and compelling.Now step in to it and live in that reality for as long as it feels comfortable. Next commit your vision to the Universe and let the Law of Attraction take over. 

                                         8. God creates in strength and rests in acceptance 

No long explanation needed here. Too much of anything is not good. If you feel like breaking down  from time to time go ahead and do it. Obviously it's good for the soul. So long as you eventually bounce back.

9.The stronger you get, the stronger you get

Oh,yes,it's true,I swear! Go read this article and find out how.

10 . The strength diet:

-Go On a Media Fast.  If you want to know what is in the news today I can tell you. It’s the same as yesterday. Same fear different story.

-Read  and listen to inspirational stuff.  Countless people have survived war, the depression, recessions and have literally lost everything. Yet they came back stronger than ever in all areas of their lives.

-Appreciate everything.  Learn to live in a state of gratitude.

-Learn to Live With Less. How would your life change if you became satisfied with what you have or even a little less than that?

Love,peace and inner strength

Eirini

pictures from here