Staying the Course
Never Give Up
You know what it’s like. Sometimes life throws you a curveball, usually when you’re least expecting it. Things are chugging along nicely, your job is good, you’re happy, you’ve found your calling and life is good! But then maybe you lose your job, you get sick, or a family member gets sick. Something happens that’s out of your control, and you’re suddenly struggling to find your way.
How do you keep following your calling when you’re finding it hard just keeping things together? There are three simple things you can do to take back control of your life, stay afloat and not lose touch with your life purpose.
Refine & Streamline
Take some time to analyze all the activities that are taking your time and energy. Eliminate as many things as possible that are energy sappers, or that don’t honor your calling. If there’s something in your life that feels like an obligation or is something you dread, don’t do it!
Focus on the crucial things, the things that you must do, and then the things you want to do. Keep focused on your calling; it shouldn’t be a luxury or an obligation.
Maintain Self-Awareness
If you’re having a tough time, it’s imperative that you don’t give up your power. And your power lies in how you respond to situations. Take some time to notice how you’re feeling; what emotions are coming up. Acknowledge them. You’ll likely feel angry, hurt, even scared. And that’s natural and a normal response to stress. But you don’t have to stay there.
You can choose to feel helpless or vulnerable. To lash out and blame others for your situation. Or you can decide how you will react. What attitude will you choose to take? Look outside yourself and see how the way you respond and behave will influence your friends, family, and colleagues. Will you be an inspiration and a helper, or a doomsayer and energy vampire?
Tune Into Joy
Choosing joy in the face of adversity is not irresponsible or foolish. It is part of taking control of the situation and choosing not to be crushed by it.
Keep your energy high and make space for the things that bring you joy. Remeber that joy is a well inside you as well. Practice those habits and attitudes that help to uncork the well.
Studies have shown that having a life purpose can help you deal better with stress and increase your resilience. So your calling should be front and center, no matter what else is happening in your life.