Often times we don’t realize how our life experiences can make us tougher. Whether it’s recovering from a bad day, moving on from an illness, or losing a relationship, here are four ways in which your experiences can make you tougher if you consider the following:
1. You learn to express yourself.
When we face a difficulty, those with a social support system quickly find themselves expressing their worries, fears and sources of stress. If you are without a trusted listener, you may use a therapist. Either way, when we learn to express our emotions honestly and freely, we feel much of our tension float away. This is very important. While some of us have learned to bottle our emotions, the truth is expressing yourself at the right time and to the right person, if possible, can be tremendously relieving. This can leave you ready to face new opportunities.
2. You learn your limits.
In tough situations, we feel pressure that can place an unpleasant amount of stress on us. After realizing that we are only human and cannot take every source of stress, we find our limits. You can find ways to minimize the source of stress afterwards. For example, if you have a career that is not working out, you may want to find a hobby to keep you satisfied as much as possible. Then, in time, you might consider finding a new career that is your passion.
3. You play to your strengths.
All of us have a unique ability to shine in our own way. Look for this strength, and run with it. As Dr. Maya Angelou said, “I believe every person is born with talent,” so play your strength. If each of us learns to capitalize on our unique abilities to do good, move another, help another, lift another, there would be more love and peace in the world. By practicing our strengths, we gain confidence and self-esteem, and become tougher in what is likely a rewarding and uplifting way.
4. You will bounce back stronger the next time.
The ability to “bounce back” from a bad mood, from a rough day, week or year, ultimately comes down to a shift in thinking and supply of motivation. When you practice the habit of “bouncing back,” you strengthen this habit and can ultimately sustain positive energy for longer periods of time. Practicing gratitude is one way to help with that shift in thinking. Life circumstances may change, and may not be optimal to one’s choosing. Learning to come back stronger and quicker is perhaps one of the best ways to be toughened out and what you ought to keep in mind in your journey.
Keep in mind these four ways that experience will make you tougher, and you’ll be more ready to achieve what you want. While there may be unexpected difficulties on the road, remember you will bounce back stronger the next time.
This post by the author was originally published on The Huffington Post Contributor’s platform.
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Source/Credit for Top Photo: https://www.active.com/fitness/articles/3-best-ab-exercise-tricks-for-a-flatter-stomach