Sometimes remaining positive and upbeat takes more of an effort than usual.
Right now, so many people I know and love are going through very hard times.
Health problems seem to predominate but there are all kinds of other difficulties, too.
It seems impossible not to ask, "Why does life have to be so hard?"
Honestly, what the answer to that question is escapes me.
Maybe the hard times come in order to appreciate the good times?
All the standard cliches come to mind like, "This, too, shall pass" and "Have to make our own sunshine" on a bleak, winter day.
The other day on one wall in our kitchen, the sun was coming through the window and making all kinds of shadows.
I couldn't help but think, "Hey. That's what life is all about. Sunshine and shadows."
On a positive note, the sun always does eventually shine again and when it does, it uplifts the spirits.
TELL ONE WAY YOU COPE WITH THE HARD DAYS OF LIFE?
Timely post! I have been sick and it makes me depressed. Life seems so hard at times, yet I know it will get better. I pray, read and try to do something that brings me joy. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI wait. I sleep. I listen to music about the character & faithfulness of God. I try to breathe fresh air/take a walk, etc. I journal. I read the Psalms. I try to find something to do for someone else. (Not all of these at once, but as I can.)
ReplyDeleteHello Susan, what a great post. I am in the middle of a positivity challenge I created for myself after a period of negativity and resentment. One thing I do different now is to accept my failures. I TRY to get up each morning and sit in prayer, do some tai chi stretches while I talk to God, and study His word. However, some days I don't do it the way I planned, or the way I think I should. I accept those days, and move on. I don't allow the guilt over my own expectations take me down. I am forgiven, I am redeemed. God forgives me, so should I. I have a sidebar on my blog that says "I do not know what I think, until I read what I write". Thank you for this post, it has awakened me. ~Dazee~
ReplyDeleteI love the wall of plates! And your blog post...yes, seems so many everywhere dealing with a lot. Some of it their own making, and some of it not. I don't know how I cope, one foot in front of other every few minutes I guess. Sometimes it works and sometimes not. This morning off to blood work labs after week of harsh chemo sickness. I put on hat, ear rings, and bracelets. Will that be lifting? Will see!
ReplyDelete"More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of " Mom always quoted that and I don't know where she got it but I PRAY when times are tough.
ReplyDeleteMy latest technique is that I am trying to walk away and not think and dwell on it - I don't know if that sounds like a good thing or not, but that is what I am doing.
ReplyDeleteIt is so tough when it's a health problem. That's one thing you can't get away from, especially if it's chronic. I know we can tell ourselves it could always be worse, but most of the time that doesn't help! During the tough times I've been through, I've just buckled down and weathered through it. It helps to have writing as an escape.
ReplyDelete.. Coping with life's problems is so hard. I tend to fall apart a bit and then rally and handle the problem. I've always told my family that you can't always solve problems, you just have to live through them and they will slowly fade away...
ReplyDelete.. Barb xxx
I just love sunshine and shadows. It's like a moment of heaven on earth.
ReplyDeleteLife is filled with difficulties, health issues, relationship issues ... I couldn't make it without faith and family and a little bit of music to lighten the mood.
Life is full of ups and downs, and I think you're right, we might not appreciate the good quite as much without the tough times. I like this analogy of light and shadows. Lovely photos, too. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope the hard times your loved ones are facing soon start to fade away. I love your sunshine and shadows observation.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Susan.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Love your wall of plates. Lovely post.
ReplyDeleteI love your photos...how pretty and inspirational. I pray and keep in touch with others when I am having a hard time. God has been good to me, restoring my health in many ways. I think REAL sunshine helps too. I am longing for sunshine and spring. It has been such a long long winter here in Oregon.
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