Turn Things Around

I recently spoke to a couple of people who were experiencing some heavy difficulties in life. These were the kinds of issues that tear at your spirit and also weigh hard on your heart. We've all been there, I'm sure. We want a remedy. We want change. We want it to disappear. We want out. We want it to be over. Of course, easier said than done in so many cases.

Way too many crises to describe here, but I have endured difficult and challenging times in my life, the kind that steals time, the kind that takes the breath right out of your body, the kind that shatters your heart and your life for a while. If I could turn back the hands of time and have a re-do, I would. Since I can't, I always have to find a perspective that will help me go face-forward on with life, and some way, somehow, turn things around.

How do you turn things around that are failures, that have devastated you, nearly killed you, left you broken and broke? I have an abiding faith in God first and foremost, but there are other things that I knew I had to do to keep from sinking into the depths of despair.

1. No pity parties. Living in pity isn't living. It's like sitting in mud. There is nothing pretty or satisfying about it. I've felt a lot of emotional hurt, but I've never had a pity party and never invited anyone I know to one. I read "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale very early in my life and those words of his sunk deeply into my heart and head. They say what comes from the heart reaches the heart. That was true for me about his book. I decided that being stuck in the mud was worthless. 

To turn things around to the best of my ability, I would always have to try to have a positive perspective and outlook. I live that principle out day-to-day to this day. My friends and family have no idea about some of the things I've faced because I didn't have a pity party, and didn't send out any invitations to come into my issues. I made that choice. Pity parties don't help, they make you hurt worse. However, please don't avoid seeking help and support when you need it, but avoid having a funeral for yourself while you're still alive, and while you still have so much to live for.

2. No negativity. It can be difficult to avoid all negativity, but there are things you can control. I don't gossip with people, and really don't want to hear negative perspectives on other people's personal lives and problems, unless there is something I can contribute to help. I don't watch or listen to stuff that has weird content. I like to laugh, so I entertain myself with healthier stuff. I'm not stuffy and critical about what choices other people make, but it's my choice to avoid negative conversations, content, and craziness. I may have opinions, but I not opting in. No way. We have the opportunity to decide. Will negativity keep you from turning your life around? For sure it can, and it will. Listen, don't go backwards.

3. No folding in fear. Don't let fear stop you. When you're facing the hard things, fear can enter your heart. You wonder. You worry. You get weary. Going forward in a maze or into darkness is a great big challenge, but if you want to turn things around in your life, you have to move forward afraid. Give yourself time to heal. Give yourself time to restore. Give yourself time to reflect. Give yourself time to grieve. Give yourself time to strengthen, and once you get your breath back and your bearings, make your move. 

You may feel afraid, but be deliberate. Be bold. Be faith-filled, and be determined. Faith is the bridge over fear. Believe in God, and believe in yourself. Make up your mind. Make the effort. Take the necessary steps. You're worth it. Your life is worth it. You can turn things around.- S.R.F.