Oftentimes things have to go wrong in order to go right. In fact, if the road you’re traveling is always easy, you’re likely going the wrong way or not asking yourself what you really want. Some part of you knows this is true. Nevertheless, when life gets especially rough, it can be hard to change! I compiled this list of a few things you can do when life gets hard.

1. Have gratitude. Appreciate the journey SO FAR, this is only a bump in the road.
2. Live in the moment. Sometimes we avoid experiencing exactly where we are because we have decided it is not where we should be or want to be. But the truth is, where you are right now is exactly where you need to be to get to where you want to go tomorrow.
3. Make a plan. The uncomfortable feeling will start to ease only when you have something real and positive to replace it with.  Be specific in your plan.  Happiness is not a goal, it’s the result of a life well lived.  The question is: How do you want to live going forward? What are you aiming for?
4. Take responsibility. “Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility.” Man, I love that quote. Don’t let this be you. When you blame others for what you’re going through, you deny responsibility.
5. Attitude it important. No matter how bad things are, you can always make things worse by having a terrible attitude. Remember this, you can’t have a positive life with a negative attitude.
6. Share your story. Others grow from hearing success stories when we are open, honest, and share our struggles. They trust us more, they want to follow us, and that helps everyone to grow.

I hope this helps you move through that HARD time. We all have a story and trials. Use that to push you forward. Always remember what Brene  Brown said,

“There is no greater threat to a critic then someone willing to fall, because they have learned how to rise.”