This is a time of year of new birth. Spring is in the air and with it a change or desire to renew. I have always loved spring, but this time of year makes me remember the resiliency needed even in joyful moments. Eight years ago, I experienced that new season of life when my oldest daughter was born. She was born almost a month early because of some health problems I was having. She was 5 lbs 2 ounces, so tiny and so perfect. We were lucky that she didn’t have to go into NICU, but she did develop jaundice and had to be under lights. She was a fighter from the very beginning. She continues to be a beautiful miracle in my life.
This beautiful season was not without its challenges. I had to navigate being a new mom and balancing work and my own expectations. I experienced anxiety “what if I do something wrong?” and I felt heartbreak when I went back to work that led to feelings of doubt “am I doing the right thing.” I share this in a place of vulnerability and a desire to share how even the joyful moments in our life can have tough times. One moment everything may be great and in the next you are asking “what in the world happened!” Often when we are in that moment we ask “how am I going to get through this?”
There are seasons of our life where we go from highs to lows. Tough seasons can follow the joyful times, like being a new parent. These times are wonderful and challenging. But we also experience lows that can look like grief from a loss, stress through work or relationships or just painful growing times.
No one is exempt from tough seasons and we will all experience them multiple times in our lives. A song that I really like when challenges seem so overwhelming is Rodney Atkins “If you’re going through hell”
Just like the song says "when you're going through hell, just keep going. You might get out before the devil even knows you're there."
Some things to keep in mind when you are in those tough seasons:
1. Take care of yourself . Self-care means taking care of yourself so that you have the strength to handle challenges in a healthy way. This is often the last thing you think you need, but it truly is the most important as it helps us stay grounded during life’s difficult seasons. Whether it’s reading, meditating, working out, going out with a friend, taking a bath, or writing in a journal, self-care is about staying connected to yourself and your values by doing the things that make you feel more like “you.”
2. Prioritize . You can’t say yes to everything. During difficult seasons, your emotional and physical energy will fluctuate. Things that were once easy now seem harder. Focus on what is essential to get through the day.
3. Ask for help. This is not a weakness but rather a courageous step into vulnerability. Tough seasons can feel very isolating so make sure you have a support system you can rely on.
4. Have compassion, with yourself. No one is perfect so don’t expect it of yourself. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself some grace.
5. Perspective. This season will not last forever. You will look back on this time in your life and say, “That was tough, but I’m still here. I got through it.” Those difficult times shape us into the people we are today. They can lead to new insights, greater perspectives and a deeper appreciation of the things in life that really matter.
If you’re going through a tough season currently, or if you’re anticipating an upcoming life transition, I’d love to help you navigate through it in an effective and healthy way. Please contact me for more information.