Elizabeth LaCaze, LCSW

View Original

When Things Are Rough: Keeping Your Faith Through Challenging Times

Life is filled with adventure, happiness, positivity, opportunities, wonder, and amazement. Each day brings a new opportunity.

But life isn't perfect. No matter how good of a person you are, wealthy, or how achieved you may be, an ideal life filled with only good and positive experiences just doesn't exist.

It isn't always rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes the clouds are dark and a little rain may follow. Some days may be harder than others.

You may be having a bad day. Maybe you forgot about it and missed an appointment. You forgot to pay a bill and now you have late charges. You may have received some upsetting news. Maybe there was a death in the family.

When things are rough, here's how to keep your faith during challenging times.

Pray and Meditate

You may already have a set timeframe each day to pray and meditate. If you don't already have a set time during your day to pray, make one.

Having time set aside for prayer and meditation gives you the necessary time each day to take a break and sort through your different thoughts, emotions, and feelings.

Difficult times can feel like a dark cloud is hovering over you. Let the light back in with a little prayer and listening to your deeper wisdom. Talk to your higher power and ask them for help, support, and guidance during these uncertain and difficult times.

Acts of Kindness

If you're the type of person who likes helping others, channel the energy you have into that.

Pay for someone's meal or coffee when you're running errands. Offer to help watch a friend's child or children so they can get some alone time. Help a neighbor garden, mow their lawn, rake leaves, or shovel snow. You can also help your community by volunteering or donating to charity.

Sometimes all it takes for you to see the good in the world is to share it with others.

Lean on Your Support System

Lean on your support system, especially during challenging times. Just as you want what's best for them, they want the same for you. They don't want to see you hurt or struggling. Whatever life throws your way, you don't have to go through it alone.

Your friends, family, and other loved ones are there, eager, and willing to help you. All you have to do is ask for help. Don't expect them to read your mind. If you're seeking additional help or support from them, let them know.

Make sure you're also making an active effort to surround yourself with people that inspire you to be the best version of yourself. This may involve cutting ties with those who no longer serve you.

If you're actively trying to practice your faith, finding friends who share those same interests, passions, and faith can help keep you on the right path.

Take Care of Yourself

Don't forget to take care of yourself. Tough times don't last, tough people, do. Make sure you're filling your cup so that you have the energy to get through your day-to-day.

Taking care of yourself can be as simple as making sure you're fueling your body properly during the day. Aim to eat 3 healthy and well-balanced meals throughout your day. Don't forget about your water intake either. Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. And try to get your body moving for at least 30 minutes each day.

Reach Out for Additional Help

If you're still struggling, especially when things are rough and a little challenging, don't hesitate to reach out for help from an unbiased third party. A trained and licensed therapist will be able to help you get back to living your life to the fullest again.

If you're interested in learning how to stay centered when you're struggling, reach out to set up a consultation. We'll work with you to help you find ways to cope and feel like you again.