Tips for Navigating Through Some of Life's Inevitable Roadblocks: be patient, trust the process.

Have you ever felt stuck or stressed out and not able to find the right outlet? Either no one understands EXACTLY what you are feeling or going through, or you can't quite find the words to even express what you're feeling or going through. Well, it happens. And, it's okay. It's all a part of the process. Sometimes the hardest part of getting through a trying situation is the "waiting period." The time where there really isn't much to do to move forward, but you know something’s gotta give. It’s frustrating, and that’s okay.

Something like this has recently happened to me, and being the Type A (somewhat control-freak that I am), it takes a conscious effort for me to retrain my default defense mechanism and take into account all of the uplifting and liberating techniques that I live by. But I am a firm believer in the trades of “living in the present”, “trusting yourself and the process”, “re-connecting with your values”, “staying positive and genuine”, “simplifying” and “pushing worrisome and negative thoughts out of your life.”

Instead of letting your situation escalade into something unnecessary, more dramatic and frankly, irrelevant, take some simple steps back and help the situation, by helping yourself first.

Here are some tips that help me:

1. Have a Neutral Sounding Board. When you are in a state of transition, emotionally fragile, or even heated in the moment, a great way to diffuse the issue and gain a better perspective of your options, is to have a neutral sounding board. This outlet is something or someone unrelated to the issue at hand. This could be a friend, family member, a journal, a book, a walk/bike ride, a distraction (movies, something uplifting), music, a nap, etc. These healthy outlets help you release some of the stress related to being “stuck” and lift the pressure away from the situation. This type of release is crucial in the process of diffusing a chaotic situation, wading in transition and moving forward through an issue. It will also ward off the emotions tied to your first reaction, and help you to act in the best interest of yourself, others and the situation at hand.

2. Get support, don’t go it alone! If you are anything like me, when times get hard I lean on myself the most. I used to put unnecessary stress and pressure on myself to find the answers and console myself. Well, this actually had the reverse effect. I’ve learned over the years that getting support does not mean that you are a weak person. Strong people know how to do what’s best for themselves, and getting support from a friend, family member or even a specialized professional may be the best thing you can do to make sure YOUR GREAT LIFE stays in tact during trying times.
   

3. Be patient, and trust the process: This one can be a little tricky. Especially in the instantaneous world we live in. But this one is perhaps the MOST important. Find ways to distract yourself, surround yourself with positive people, distance yourself from the immediate situation and step back and be patient. Let the details work themselves out. There is something liberating about giving up control. I’ve learned this, and every time I actually live by it, I am MORE than pleasantly surprised by the result.
   

4. Re-connect with Nature. Something that always helps me gain a clear perspective is to spend some time in a natural place, free from distraction. One of my favorite things to do is enjoy the sunset, because its so refreshing to take some time to enjoy the very simple things in life. I also love going to a nature park with a hike trails near my house. Something magical happens when there is no one around, free from technology…just you, your thoughts and nature in its purest form. This is a great technique for problem-solving, seeing things from a new angle, gaining inspiration, releasing tension and thinking outside the box. It will also help you with #3, being patient and trusting the process.

5. Channel the negative energy into something positive. This notion really speaks for itself. Try to see the positives in the situation and focus on them. Maybe a space was created in your life, so that something new and exciting can come in and fill it. Maybe your loss was someone else’s gain, and they really needed it. Maybe you are BETTER OFF now, than you were before. You will never know unless you make a conscious effort to highlight and focus on the positives of a situation.
   

These are some of the ways that I have learned to cope with some of the inevitable roadblocks that life presents. It’s easy to feel off balanced when times are uncertain. But, the best way you can ensure that you are living your great life, is to take healthy actions in the midst of turmoil. Remember to have faith, be patient, trust the process and count your blessings. When you release the tension in healthy ways, you are able to react appropriately and diffuse the chaos. The best way to take care of ANY situation is to take care of yourself FIRST.

If you have any experience or insight to share regarding this topic, please feel free to comment below! We grow by helping ourselves and others, Cheers!

xo, DeAnna Lynn Englezos