When my world becomes full of too many problems, I look to others for their unique advice, inspiration and strength. I find socializing is a good positive answer to lifting a bad mood.
Having coffee and a long conversation with a friend can help me sometimes see that there is a way out of my stress; that things may feel overwhelming right now but it’s not a permanent situation. Something better might be right around the corner and I just need to hang in there and ride this bad time out.
Besides hanging out with family and friends, I also gather inner strength from people I’ve never met. By reading their books or hearing their stories on television, I hear and learn about how others found a way to stay on track despite suffering a loss, serious illness, financial difficulty or any other problem that could make you feel as though your world is coming apart.
I recently finished reading Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s compelling memoir about the early part of her life titled, “My Beloved World” and found this inspirational insight from her that I would like to share in hopes that it also gives you an emotional boost:
“There are uses to adversity, and they don’t reveal themselves until tested. Whether it’s serious illness, financial hardship, or the simple constraint of parents who speak limited English, difficulty can tap unsuspected strengths. It doesn’t always, of course: I’ve seen life beat people down until they can’t get up. But I have never had to face anything that could overwhelm the native optimism and stubborn perseverance I was blessed with.
At the same time, I would never claim to be self-made — quite the contrary: at every stage of my life, I have always felt that the support I’ve drawn from those closest to me has made the decisive difference between success and failure. And this was true from the beginning. Whatever their limitations and frailties, those who raised me loved me and did the best they knew how. Of that I am sure.”
Carry on and have a great Friday!!
Leave a Reply