10 Tips to Developing a Resilient Outlook on Life as You Age
Life is unpredictable, full of highs and lows, especially as we age. Some of our toughest times consist of losing our loved ones, our health, our identity, or life purpose and meaning. The changes, demands and emotions experienced during tough times take a toll on your body and mind.
Quite often we have no choice over our circumstances; however, we do have a choice in how we react to any situation. We can either choose to face the challenges we encounter and take control of our situations, or we can wallow in them and let life’s difficulties control and consume us. You have come this far. You deserve to be happy. You matter and are worthy of contentment and a joyful life.
Setbacks Pave the Way for Great Comebacks!
The key to bouncing back and embracing any new situation is to accept that a change is occurring. The key to embracing change is to acknowledge the losses that are occurring. The loss is what hurts most and is most stressful to endure. Whether you are losing a loved one or your comfort zone, you are bringing about an ending.
Letting go of the past can be extremely difficult but is necessary to move forward. If you respond to your tough circumstances with effective coping and change management strategies, you will bounce back with greater strength, skills, and wisdom.
You are the one and only person who can make yourself bounce back. You hold the power! Courage is the power behind becoming resilient; moreover, the power behind choice. Whenever you face difficulties, there will always be an element of fear.
Acting on our fears is hard. We are complex human beings full of fears, insecurities, thought patterns, memories, and emotions. Gathering your strength and faith will help you act on your fears and move you forward. If you do not move forward, you will remain stuck, unhappy, and bitter. Choose forward.
10 Tips for Becoming Resilient
- Determine what situations are within your control and which are not. Let go of situations that are not in your control.
- Keep your expectations, ruminating thoughts, and fears in check.
- Talk with someone who can be objective and supportive of you.
- Find the courage to ask for help with tasks.
- Get socially connected with others, even if you are an introvert.
- Discover who you are and what you want in life.
- Each day, write three things you are grateful for.
- Find activities to keep yourself busy so your mind does not wander and wallow.
- Stay away from people who are negative and cause drama.
- Get out of the house and grab a glass of lemonade!
When you embrace your difficult times in healthy ways, you will become more resilient and happier. You need to find the courage to face your fears and take baby steps to move yourself forward. By doing so, you will feel empowered with a greater respect for yourself and life. You will feel reenergized with a new outlook on life. It will be easier for you to get out of bed each morning and enjoy your day. Joy and contentment will come your way.
Challenge yourself to master one resiliency tip. Once mastered, move forward and master another tip, and then another. You got this!
About the Author: Nancy Stampahar
