Perspective + Focus + Gratitude = Well-being

We all know that 2020 was a very challenging year and if I had to guess, 2021 will have challenges of its own as well. So how can we stay positive during challenging circumstances? To start we can focus on the good things about our lives. A good way to get started is to take a few minutes at the end of each day and write down at least ten things that you are grateful for that day. Research has shown that the practice of gratitude journaling is very effective at improving our mood and focus and overall sense of well-being, read more here: https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-gratitude/
You may discover that there are more good things in your life than you may realize. What we focus on is what we see, and what we look for is what we find. There truly is power in positive thinking, in fact, there is even evidence that indicates that focusing on positive thinking can improve not only our mental health but our physical health as well. The Mayo Clinic wrote an excellent article about that here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950
When dealing with challenging circumstances first we must recognize what we do have the ability to change, and then develop a plan and get the support necessary to implement those positive changes. Next, we must recognize and accept the things around us that we cannot change. Marsha Linehan is an expert on the art of what is known as the practice of radical acceptance and this is an excellent article written by her on the subject from the Byron Clinic: https://byronclinic.com/marsha-linehan-radical-acceptance/
We then need to build upon our set of coping skills to help us manage the negative emotions that can be triggered by difficult circumstances. This is where stress management, self-care, utilizing supports, and taking care of our physical and mental health comes in. Additionally, take the time to look for the good that can arise from the ashes of our difficult circumstances in life. Even with what we may consider being a bad situation there can be an opportunity to find something positive that can manifest as a result, so try to make the most of every circumstance that we are given, and continue to see the good that is all around us, even when it seems very well hidden.
Finally, seek help if you need it. It can help to see things from a different perspective and there are professional counselors at Life Encounter Counseling that are here to help and support you in this journey, you are not alone!