If it feels like you’re barely treading water and surviving right now, you’re not alone. Between world events and personal struggle, life can feel pretty heavy.
While this isn’t likely where you want to be on your journey, some days, surviving equals success and is something to celebrate!
I know you’d love to be thriving and experiencing more joy, laughter, and love. If life has taken you on a bumpy ride away from the calm and peace you desire, it’s important to be gentle with yourself. This isn’t the time to be “should-ing” yourself with thoughts like:
- “I should be enjoying my life.”
- “I should feel grateful.”
- “I should feel happier.”
- “I should be thriving instead of feeling stuck.”
- “I should stop worrying about my problems.”
- “I should focus on the positive.”
- “I should be farther along in life.”
- “I should feel peaceful and calm.”
- “I should be creating more time for self-care.”
- “I should be focused on healing my heart.”
- “I should allow myself to experience greater joy.”
Can you recognize any of these thoughts in your own life?
Many of us find it difficult to accept our current reality and have lots of expectations of what “should” be happening.
If we’re honest, none of us wants to struggle in life—we’d much rather be thriving on our journey! Sadly, that’s not always our reality.
When we focus on what “should” be in our lives, we minimize our current experience, which can lead us to feeling like a failure. Moving through the bumpy times doesn’t always look graceful, nor does it look like failure.
Navigating the mess requires courage, strength, and patience while accepting that life doesn’t look exactly how we’d hoped it would.
I will personally admit that these times don’t usually feel good. Believing there are better days ahead can help keep us afloat while we take one step at a time through the muck. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s also okay to admit you’re tired and have no reserves left.
While it may feel uncomfortable to admit that you’re not thriving right now, here are some tips to help you navigate these stressful times:
- Be Gentle with Your Expectations.
When you’re barely surviving, your emotions may get the best of you. You might find yourself snapping at those you love or being impatient. Remember you’re doing the best you can. Apologize, if you feel it’s needed, and then forgive yourself. Don’t expect that you’ll be able to show up in the same way you usually would.
Remember, “survival” isn’t about “thriving”; it’s about getting by. When you’re in survival mode, even your brain functions differently. - Choose to Be Emotionally Honest.
It’s okay to admit that things are difficult in your life. Being honest with those who are willing to listen without trying to fix or analyze your situation can feel very supportive. Instead of trying to be strong and tell others you’re fine, be honest and real about your situation. Vulnerability takes courage and strength—it’s not a weakness. - Ask for Support.
Find those individuals who bring a bit of sunshine to your day. Let them know you’re struggling and how they can support you. Sometimes, just a simple text, phone call, or visit can help brighten your mood when the world feels like it’s weighing you down. - Set Boundaries.
Honor your energy and time. If you’re navigating some difficult situations, choose to put non-essential tasks or responsibilities aside until things improve. By creating extra time, you allow yourself the space to pause and honor your needs. - Get Extra Sleep.
If possible, allow yourself extra hours of sleep, even if that means a quick nap during the day. Without adequate rest, your body and mind don’t work efficiently. Sleep is your body’s way of recharging, healing, and keeping you well. - Nourish Your Body.
During survival mode, nutrition doesn’t always make our top priority list. Give yourself permission to eat what’s readily available if you don’t have the time to create your usual meals, but try not to skip meals. Your body needs fuel to sustain and support it through stressful times.
When possible, find a healthy meal or ask loved ones to help you with meal preparation. Remember to also stay hydrated.
Having spent many years in survival mode, I know how negatively it can impact your life. I also know that it doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re courageously navigating the ebbs and flows of life.
Remember to practice self-love.
Offer gratitude to your body and mind for keeping you alive during this bumpy ride.
Breathe…
Reach out for support, and honor your needs.
Your courage to stay afloat takes you one step closer to thriving.
Remember, there is always a new page presenting itself in your story. Be gentle with yourself while you navigate the struggles on your journey.
