We can’t shine our light if we’re hiding under the covers

So many people I know are going through challenging times. Whether health issues, grief, betrayal, a broken heart, family angst, financial worries, loneliness, fear, doubt. And the list goes on.

We can’t stop the tough times from coming. So what do we do?

Sometimes there is nothing we can do. Our grief is unmeasurable. Our lost loved one is not coming back. Our health diagnosis is not favourable. Our worst fear is coming true. Our business or career is finished.

Sometimes there is nothing we want to do. Our fear paralyzes us from making that important call, or reaching out to that certain someone. We ignore the issue, hoping it will go away. We stop answering the phone, preferring to isolate from friends and family.

Sometimes we do the wrong things. We blame others. We tear down relationships instead of building them up. We self-sabotage by numbing out with alcohol, drugs, or binge-watching videos or shows.

When tough times come, and they will, we don’t have to like our situation, but ignoring it, or staying resentful or miserable, will only cause more anger, sorrow, and heartache. If we stay in bed with our self-pity party, that’s where we will stay. And we can’t shine our light if we’re hiding under the covers.

What if we tried another approach? What if we accepted the pain, the struggle, the grief that we are going through?

Joyce Meyer tells us we can be pitiful or powerful. But not both. What if we took the powerful approach to our problems and left the pitiful behind? What if we turn our problem on its side, look at it from another angle? What if we focused on what we can control, not on what we can’t?

We are in control of our thoughts, and we have the choice to change our thoughts anytime we want. We have the choice to change our focus and look at our problems and obstacles as opportunities. What opportunity has this obstacle given us? The opportunity to help others? The opportunity to draw closer to God? The opportunity to meet new people? To maybe spread a little sunshine to someone else going through the same thing?

We are all hurting. We are all going through issues. Huge issues. But we can’t let our issues keep us down. Let’s allow ourselves time to cry, rant, and heal, and then focus on what we can control.

How do we want to show up for others this week? Pitiful or powerful—the choice is ours.

For more simple tips to reduce your stress and build your strength toolkit, sign up for my weekly dose of inspiration here.

“You can be pitiful or powerful, but you can’t be both.” Joyce Meyer