5 Tips for Turning Setbacks into Comebacks
This is our first journal of 2024, and I gotta be real with you—I'm not as pumped to write this one because I started the year off with heavy stress and worry, and it's got me feeling like a fraud trying to spread good vibes. Whenever I feel like my life has gone to shit, there are a couple of coping mechanisms that I turn to, and over the years, I have discovered that they help me feel sane and in control of my life. So today, I am sharing these tips with you, well with anyone who feels like their life is going to shit and needs a little pick me up. Everyone else can ignore this message…or not…. 'cause let's face it, life throws curveballs at all of us sooner or later, am I right?
Tip #1: Embracing Emotions
The anger, the pain, the self pity, the why me, everything. Cry! Shout! Curl up in bed! Go through it. Exist in it. I don’t believe in bottling up emotions that need to be let out. I also don’t believe in spending my whole life in those emotions. Let it out, but let it go. Give yourself a set amount of time to feel sorry for yourself and then try to move on from those emotions and start existing in some semi positive space. Honor the emotions though whenever they creep back in (because they will) but again, try to pull yourself out of that state.
Tip #2: Finding Solutions
I’m all about finding solutions to the problems that I encounter. I don’t believe in sitting around and waiting for things to solve themselves by complaining and feeling sorry for myself on end. Whenever you are going through shit, search for the solution to get yourself out of that shit. Chances are it’s going to make you feel productive and that in turn makes you feel better about yourself. Unfortunately, in some cases, the problems in your life may take a longer time to solve and this may take you back to square one….and that’s where tip #3 comes into play.
Tip #3: Working on other aspects of your life
Engaging in activities (unrelated to the current challenge) that contribute to your overall well-being will give you a sense of control in your life. Some examples include: working out, eating healthier, reading books, listening to podcasts, journaling, meditating, going on long ass walks, cleaning your space, showering etc. I find that adopting healthier routines allow me to feel a little better about myself, because they provide me with a sense of daily accomplishment. A small thing I have been doing is making my bed every morning whether I’m going to spend the day in bed or not. It may seem small, but this is about setting an intention to do something that brings about an orderly, thoughtful, responsible, balanced, or successful life.
Tip #4: Focusing on the good stuff
Being grateful and marinating in all the great things that you do have is a way to cure your anxieties about the challenges that you are facing. This obviously goes hand in hand with the tip #1. Making a list of things the things you have that do not stress you out is a way to get into a more positive state of mind. So even if the thing you have to be grateful for is a new episode of a k-drama on Netflix, marinate in that bitch. It’s amazing, and it will get you out of your state of worry for some time.
Tip #5: Speaking to someone who'll listen without judgment
Talking to someone who will listen and not judge is really a blessing. Sometimes you need to just hear yourself speak, and/or just let out what is bothering you. If you have a friend/ family member that cares about you enough to also give you valuable advice about your problems, that's amazing. You really should take advantage of that. Let it out!
Alright, that's my spiel for now. These tips might not solve all your problems, but they could help or at least serve as a reminder on how to get past the tough challenges life sometimes throws at us. Remember, setbacks are just detours on the road to success.
I genuinely believe we're in for a fantastic year, no matter the current chaos. Let's make 2024 about prioritizing ourselves, embracing the mess, and finding joy in the little victories. You're resilient, powerful, and capable of turning challenges into stepping stones. Here's to us, the babes of overcoming, thriving, and living our best lives. Cheers to an amazing year ahead!
Best of Luck bbs!
Looking to reflect, embrace, and conquer life's hurdles this year like the resilient powerhouse you are? This free Work Sheet can help!
