Build resilience by working with limitations.  If the setback involves some sort of loss, be creative and conjure up ways to achieve joy and success in spite of the loss.  Losses occur in varying degrees, from temporary and minor to permanent and significant.  Oftentimes, losses feel much larger at onset.  Put the loss into perspective and find ways to work with it and around it, while not allowing yourself to feel overly discouraged.

Action trumps emotions.  Take a proactive approach to wellness and shift your mind towards a ‘can do’ attitude.  Ask yourself, “What can I do?”  Be realistic, but also do not underestimate your capacity.  It is said that we all have unrealized talents waiting to be discovered.  Be open to possibilities and you will gradually discover a whole new perspective on the situation while bouncing back in a timely manner!

Resilience is a desirable quality that can be learned.  It involves bouncing back from adversity in a timely and positive manner while not allowing yourself to get bogged down by discomfort and pain.  Resilience allows you to return to your natural state of mental wellness in spite of setbacks.  There are a number of strategies we can employ to build resilience.  Today I will discuss one strategy which involves managing bitterness.

Adversity is an emotional journey.  It is easy to become embittered when we experience setbacks in life.  Embrace the bigger picture and put your situation into perspective.  Realize that you are not alone and that there are many others in this world who have endured worse.  Find inspiring figures whose stories humble you and use their lessons as catalysts for positive change for yourself.  Shed victim status and take control of your life by making wise choices that serve your best interests and helps you move forward in life.

In the last five posts, I discussed different ways in which we can respond to change.  These include seeking knowledge, striving for ideals, relinquishing to the flow, avoidance, and taking control.  Remember that no one method is better than another for achieving desired outcomes.  The particular circumstances and personalities involved are unique for every person and situation.

The key to success is awareness of your habitual responses and knowing the variety of ways you can respond.  Develop a repertoire of responses and consciously practice them in your daily life. Opting for another approach may well be the best decision you make in responding wisely to change.

One other way that we can respond to change is to take control and work positively with the change.  For example, if you suffered an injury and were no longer able to do a physical activity you once enjoyed, you might seek another activity that is equally satisfying.  Making the most out of the situation can be a rewarding and enlightening experience, especially when you open yourself to all the possibilities.  The key to using this method successfully though, is knowing what you can realistically control and what you cannot.  Seeking to control aspects of your life that are beyond your control can be a frustrating and futile experience.

Another way that we can respond to change is to avoid it.  We may choose this method for many reasons, especially if we perceive there is a great deal of effort involved.  Changes can be uncomfortable and life is often easiest when we can stay within our familiar routines.  Although avoidance allows us to stay in our comfort zones, it is seldom without effort.

Avoiding change involves resistance at some level and maybe even fighting back.  We may rebel or steer away from change by remaining closed to new ideas and experiences.  When we do this, we run the risk of becoming stagnate in life and not evolving with the world around us.

Another way that we can respond to change is relinquish to the flow and yield to the greatest need.  For example, if a family member became ill, you might adjust your routines to help care for that individual.  Although self-sacrifice is honorable in certain situations, be aware of giving too much since you risk alienating your true self.

There are generally five different ways in which you can respond to change.  In my last post, I discussed one way which is seeking knowledge.  Another way that you can respond to change is to strive for ideals.

For instance, if your job or relationship was no longer satisfying, you would look for a new and better one.  Although this approach may provide short-term relief  and in some cases, long-term resolve, beware of using this method as a habit since it risks long-term dissatisfaction in life.

In my next post, I will discuss a third way to respond to change, which involves relinquishing to the flow.

Changes are inevitable in life.  How you respond to change can make all the difference between struggling and experiencing more enjoyment.  Choose a response that supports your mental wellness and a win-win outcome.

In general, there are five different ways of responding to change.  You can seek information, strive for ideals, relinquish to the flow, avoid or resist change, or take control and work positively with the change.  Know that each method has its pros and cons and that no one method is better than another for desired outcomes.  It all depends on the circumstances and personalities involved.  Today, I will talk about the pros and cons of seeking information and I will discuss the other four ways in upcoming posts.

Seeking information involves not only researching but also talking to others, including professionals.  Seek trusted sources and gather enough information to help you make an informed decision.  The downside of this method is that it can be very time-consuming, especially if you require a lot of details.  Be mindful of the time you have available and access only as much information as time allows.  Responding in a timely way can be critical to success.

Mind Master is pleased to announce its newest workshop for the month of September on “Creative Aging”.  Last month, I wrote about the benefits of creativity in countering the harmful effects of stress and maintaining good health.  ‘Indulge Yourself‘ discussed the link between thoughts, emotions and the immune system, and how creativity can contribute to ongoing wellness.

Midlife is naturally a transformative period as one symbolically crosses the bridge to the latter half of life, assesses the road behind and prepares for the journey ahead.  Changes in career, relationships, and lifestyle are common during this stage with taking stock of unmet goals and making plans to fulfill them.  Even our thought processes undergo some changes as a broader perspective emerges from years of life experience.  This move towards a broad mindset forms the ideal basis for accessing your creative potential.

The benefits of “Creative Aging” are immense.  Among the most notable are increased self-worth, greater confidence and satisfaction in life.  Join this engaging 2-hour workshop and discover your creative potential while working towards a rewarding and fulfilling future!

Hindsight is 20/20.  What this means is that we can often see with greater clarity when we look back over previous experiences.  Lessons reveal themselves with time and reflection.  Sometimes we get an ‘Aha’ moment, a revelation that connects all the dots, making sense of our lives.

The trick is to learn from our past, grow from our experiences and strive to improve ourselves a little each day.  This is sometimes easier said than done.  Changing ourselves and our responses to life requires conscious effort but is entirely possible.

Focus is the key.  Concentrate on what you want to change in your life and change will happen.  Vow to grow through life and with life.  Learn from your past experiences and  move forward in a positive manner  Life is rich with numerous experiences awaiting you.  Make the most out of your life, everyday!