OVERCOMING SETBACKS AND ADVERSITY
Bad Things Happen to Good People
But hope enables you to overcome setbacks in life.
Life offers no exemptions.
At some point, adversity will strike. The unexpected downside of life confronts you. And it often approaches you during times of elation, when you are at the pinnacle of happiness, and when nothing but peace, love, and contentment surrounds your seemingly perfect lives.
Serious illness, homelessness, the death of a loved one or pet, a relational breakup that leads to total abandonment, the loss of employment, disappointment, guilt and shame, significant financial devastation, and a mental health crisis are among the sorrows of life that can suddenly attack like an allusive and deadly predator.
When you become victimized by the harsh realities of life, you are left broken, and isolated, and feel like your life is beyond repair. In severe cases, when you are impacted by a depth of despair that defy explanation or justification find it hard to breathe your next breath or take your next step. The only thing visible to you when you are entrenched in overwhelming grief, consuming hopelessness, and relentless uncertainty is your end and total demise. Thoughts of suicide may overshadow you when you fail to receive the help and support you require.
Overcoming this adversity becomes a moment-by-moment battle to maintain the dignity of your spirit, soul, and body. The constant fight is so real that it leaves you tired. You are tired of being the victim. Your tiredness causes you to want more. You want to become a living winner filled with vitality once again.
There Are Truths to Accept
Winning happens when your heart is filled with goodness.
Winning happens when you passionately love, serve, and give to others.
And winning happens when your life reflects the authentic meanings of empathy and compassion.
There is another truth associated with winning. As a winner, you become a champion because you conquer the adversity that once held you captive.
When you are engaged in a fight for your dignity and wholeness, you must accept the mindset of a winner. But sometimes, you must grasp help for it to become actualized.
Help Equals Hope
When you reach for help when you are at your lowest point it can be found on your horizon.
Here are places and ways to turn to for assistance when you need it.
- Be honest with creditors and utility companies about your financial setback. They are positioned to help you with payment arrangements. They are also able to direct you to resource agencies that can assist you and your family.
- Reach out to your child’s school. Whether it’s a principal, teacher, counselor, resource officer, psychologist, social worker, or office secretary, school personnel can direct you to agency providers that will help you as you go through your unfortunate circumstances. They will also help you if you experience struggles with your child.
- Local churches, synagogues, temples, and other faith-based community organizations are likely equipped to provide support to you and your loved ones. They will also link to you other organizations that will be there for you.
- Let your family and friends know that you need their guidance and encouragement. Those who genuinely love you will be there when you need them.
- Resource providers within your community remain there when you need them. They will help with food, shelter, clothing, and medical attention. The most important thing about these providers is that they exist because they care.
- If you need to, find appropriate avenues to become open and discuss your struggles with trained professionals who can help you. This support can come through counseling, therapy, or a visit to your primary care physician.
All of these things release hope.
What Hope Is
Hope is your guiding light because it enlightens your path. It gives you the fortitude and courage to navigate your journey one step at a time.
Hope prevents you from keeping your eyes on the darkness that once consumed you and kept you in the depths of despair in the past.
Hope puts a smile on your face because the warmth of the sun dries your tears.
Hope permits youto raise your hands with a spirit of thankfulness because you embrace the blessings of each new day that the Lord provides.
Hope assures you that everything will be just fine in your life. Simply stated, hope gives you the faith to believe.
And that is the tangible reality of hope.
Experiencing times of personal desperation in life has enabled me to share these words of wisdom. I sincerely hope they will help you. Thank you for reading my inspirational story.
Here is my golden ticket that helps me accomplish my mission.
Dr. Deborah M. Vereen is a retired Teacher and School Administrator. Her website is www.Drdeborahmvereen.com and her YouTube Channel is
Copyright © 2022 Dr. Deborah M. Vereen. All rights reserved.
