Finding The GOOD In The BAD

 

WHEN we're going through something difficult, I'll be the first to admit that it's doubly hard to think positively.  And if you're already feeling depressed OR anxious, it even becomes that harder.  You might even have a hard time noticing anything good about your situation OR about your very life.  BUT that can become a 'double whammy' because if you'll get into that situation, that may even put you on track for that downward spiral.  Thinking positively NOT only feels better than simply thinking negatively.  BUT more than that, it may also help you find ways to improve your situation.  So, HOW do we find the GOOD in a BAD situation💚💛💜

To be happier WHEN we're dealing on something that's tough, as the more common advice goes, we can consciously look for that bright side of life's challenges.  As an example, we can reframe the thought itself.  LIKE 'WHY was I unlucky to have my bike stolen?'  to 'I'm lucky to still have my insurance coverage to buy the newer bike I've been wanting to.  And WHEN you take that approach, experts tell us that it is likely you'll feel better by then💧💧💧

LIKE if you're into dire financial straits, be positive that you still have your home, your family and your basic daily needs met.  BUT of course, you DON'T stop there, right?  If you're facing that home mortgage payment which have compounded with the skyrocketing interest, pick up the phone OR visit your mortgagee bank so that you can propose a restructuring OR refinancing.  LIKE you just went through a serious medical illness, be thankful that you did survive the ordeal and you're very much alive now.  Of course you DON'T stop there because you've got be steadfast to go through a rigorous therapy program.  LIKE if you're grieving when a loved one died, be thankful that your loved one does NOT need to suffer again from that ordeal before he/she passed away.  LIKE if you're given the pink slip because of an economic downturn, be thankful that you are skilled and experienced enough.  Imagine if you're a fresh and very raw graduate from the university???

BUT I'll play devil's advocate here.  All these scenarios I did rattle off awhile back might risk leaving the impression that we should be able to turn every negative into a positive.  NO sirrrrrrrs.  NOT guaranteed.  In reality, it can feel forced OR even futile to tell ourselves upbeat stories about life's biggest hardships.  Here comes the experts WHO tell us that sometimes we forget about those BIG STRESSORS as they tend to come in complex situations.  Take that Covid-19 Pandemic as the threat of illness was threatening BUT many of us enjoyed more time with our family💥💥💥

Our takeaway:  Some of life's BIG STRESSORS can be super negative BUT positive things can still happen out of it.  And even as stresses are complex and heterogeneous, experts advise us that another way to feel better is NOT to change the meaning of anything BUT instead, let us zero-in on those positive elements and just focus on that.  That distinction might seem subtle BUT WHAT that means we DON'T have to feel pressured to feel grateful OR optimistic about a difficult experience in its entirety.  Instead, we're just invited to pay attention to some of the smaller good things that happen alongside it.  In a nutshell,  even overcast and gloomy skies will still show a streak of sunlight at some point.  YES, we can still FIND THE GOOD IN THE BAD😀😀😀