Life has its sets of twists and turns, but we
learn to be flexible. When things seem hopeless and we feel that we can’t adapt
anymore, we reach out for help. I remember dealing with a very personal issue in
my life. It seemed as though I just couldn’t defeat it alone. I went to my
Pastor, who was also a trusted friend. I laid that issue out to him. Through
prayer and the process of confronting that issue, I gained victory. The lesson
that I learned from that experience was that before something overtakes you, you
get help. We all know when something has become unbearable or sense the feelings
of sinking into oblivion.
Don’t allow yourself to live in isolation. We
all need somebody. We love ourselves, but we still have the need to be affirmed
by others. It feels good to hear, “I love you” or “thank you”. We aren’t alone
in this world, somebody loves you. We all have something to offer; a gift,
talent, an experience, love, and or a helping hand. Everybody loves and admires
someone, somebody needs you. Life wouldn’t be the same without you. Feeling
alone in a crowded room or in an empty house, find someone inspiring to talk
with and or help meet a need. When we give of ourselves, life can be an oasis.
Learning to deal with shame and guilt is a
crucial part of coping with life’s struggles. As we look back over our lives, we
all have hurt people and we’ve all been hurt in some way. We can all think of
things we regret doing. We can strive to make amends. Forgiving yourself is a
crucial step. Do we know anybody who has not made mistakes in life? We all have.
Start doing good things and helping someone, and let our good deeds outweigh our
failures and injuries to others.
We have to learn to deal with our emotional
engine. When we let our emotional engine run so hard we often turn to self
destructive tendencies.
Overcome your pain with good, show somebody some
love and let it brighten your day. When you outlive the pain, you will be glad
you didn’t give up.
Here are some strategies you can do if you find
yourself in a self destructive cycle:
1. Don’t be alone; this is not the time for
isolation. Spend time with a clergy, therapist, parent, sibling, friend or any
positive adult.
2. Remove yourself from objects or situations
that could seriously harm you. Don’t drive if you can’t trust yourself to get to
the destination safely, call someone to pick you up or use a taxi service.
3. Remembering the good times is very important.
Focus on the things that are going well in your life. Think on the people that
have had a positive effect on you and remember the people on whom you have made
a positive impact.
4. What has made you happy, confident, and at
peace in your life? Meditate on those positive things. Look through photo albums
that bring back pleasant memories with smiles and laughter.
5. What strategies can you think of to
get through this situation? Begin to brainstorm with some positive, but
knowledgeable people. Research stories of how people with similar situations
gained victory.
6. Where would you like to be in five or ten
years, after choosing to out live the pain? Begin making plans that will help
you fulfill those goals.
7. After consulting your physician and per
instructions, become more physically active. Group exercise can be a great
source of inspiration.
8. Began to challenge and
stimulate yourself mentally. Read self-help, positive thinking, and
inspirational books for enjoyable living.
About the Author:
Dan Solomon
is the author of The Price of Favor WWWJS. Dan has served as deacon, church
trustee, Bible study and adult Sunday school teacher for his church in addition
to director of a ministry for boys, missionary president, and head of prayer
warrior’s group. He and his wife Shirley are the parents of two sons and live in
Warner Robins, GA. For more information visit www.thepriceoffavorwwwjs.com.
