Have you ever watched a turbulent sea, be it in pictorial form or some kind of movie? The truth is, life itself can roar like a turbulent sea or like a consuming fire. I mean real-life storms. I’ve been there; it is a battle of survival or death, and neither option is ever easy. But then, many times, there are survivors and those who gave up.
It may be easy to blame those who gave up until one is faced with a similar situation. This article is for those facing the crushing burdens of life, economic hardships, frustrations, and disappointments failures to the point of losing hope in life. It often feels as though life’s light is flickering out because one has tried every solution, found no solace, and is without any support system.
This article is a hand reaching out to you from a place of experience and how I fought it without finding a single external encouragement, friendship, or support. I want to show you that strength isn’t always loud; sometimes, it is the quiet resolve to hold on for just one more second. The question is: how do you find the strength to move on? Here is the prep:
1. Find strength in small victories
But how do you find strength in small victories when the world around you seem chaotic and unforgiving? Think of it this way: what does it mean to be a victor? If the situation changes at this moment, what will victory and success mean to you?
Why did you want to win in life in the first place? If you are able to come up with any reason for the above questions, then those reasons are valid, and you must pick yourself up and keep trying, even in the deadliest atmosphere.
Even when you can’t find any reason, the lack of a reason is enough reason that you need yourself back alive, that you deserve to live, that after the rain comes the sun no matter how long it takes. There are small victories waiting to be recognized. Did you get out of bed today?
Did you drink a glass of water when every cell in your body wanted to stay in bed? These seemingly insignificant moments are your wins. The fact that all the battles didn’t kill you so why should you kill yourself? Begin now to check those small wins and learn the art of celebrating these small milestones to help you shift your focus from what is broken to what is still working within you.
Action Step: Each night, write down one small victory, no matter how trivial it may seem. Acknowledging these successes builds resilience.
What should you do next?
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Ground Yourself in the Present
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Practical ways to find hope in hard times
When overwhelmed, the mind, by default, will swim into the regrets of the past and the uncertainties of the future. You need to allow your body to calm within and without to bring yourself back to the present moment; it can anchor your soul and quiet the noise. Grounding techniques, such as naming five things you see around you or focusing on your breath, can interrupt the cycle of despair.
Action Step: Take a moment each day to practice a grounding technique. For instance, place your hand on your chest, breathe deeply, and repeat, “I am here, I am alive, and that is enough for now.”
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Create a Routine, No Matter How Simple
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How to build a routine when overwhelmed
When life feels out of control, routines can create a semblance of order. It doesn’t have to be complicated; even brushing your teeth and drinking a warm cup of tea in the morning can be powerful acts of self-care. A routine gives your mind a pattern to cling to and can be a small island of familiarity in a sea of chaos.
Action Step: List three tasks you can do every morning. Start with easy ones that won’t overwhelm you but will give you a sense of accomplishment.
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Reconnect with Your “Why”
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How to find purpose during hard times
One of the things that often happens during tough times is the potential to reconnect us to our purpose. If you can maximize the opportunity, it often opens our eyes to see new possibilities, like exploring every available option. There are those whose troubled seasons open them to fame and wealth.
When hope wanes, remembering why you started or who you’re living for can reignite a small flame. Maybe it’s a passion you’ve forgotten, a promise you made to yourself, or even the desire to be the person your younger self would be proud of. Your “why” can be the most potent tool to pull you from the depths of despair.
Action Step: Spend five minutes each day thinking or journaling about your reason for holding on. Let this intention guide your actions, even on days when moving feels impossible.
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Lean on Moments of Silence
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Finding strength in quiet moments
In the midst of the noise, sometimes, the answers we need come in the silence between the noise. Spending time in quiet reflection, prayer, or meditation can bring a profound sense of peace. This isn’t about erasing the pain but finding a pocket of stillness where hope can breathe.
Action Step: Set a timer for five minutes, close your eyes, and allow yourself to simply be. You don’t need to clear your thoughts; just observe them, let them pass, and remind yourself that your worth isn’t dependent on productivity.
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Seek Inspiration, But Be Selective
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Where to find real hope in difficult times
Inspirational stories can uplift, especially from people who have gone through and survived the current trying times. Ensure these stories are authentic and resonate with your struggle. Stories of resilience remind us that we are not alone and that overcoming is possible, even when we cannot see it ourselves.
Action Step: Identify a book, a podcast, or even a conversation with someone who has weathered their storm and come out on the other side. Let their journey be a testament that life’s hardest seasons do not have the final say. You can send me an email using the contact form if you feel the urge to reach out, and I will respond immediately.
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Give Yourself Permission to Rest
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The importance of rest in tough times
Take a break and switch off the relentless voice in your mind that says we must always be striving. Sometimes, the most courageous act is to stop and rest. Acknowledging that you are tired does not make you weak; it makes you human. Rest is the bridge between survival and thriving.
Action Step: Allow yourself moments of intentional rest without guilt. Let it be okay to step back, breathe, and simply exist without the weight of “doing.”
Final Thoughts
Be your own strength and courage giver. It is okay to seek help, but when help seems far from reach, you must activate your internal courage. It will almost instantly give you a reason to stand up and dust yourself off. You are the rescuer, and if you fall, it feels like the end, but perhaps it is an opportunity to heal in the rawest form.
You may not have friends or family to turn to, and the situation may keep burning your skin harder every day, but within you lies the strength to take one more breath, one more step. Lean into these moments, imperfect as they are. You are still here, and that is a miracle in itself.
In these dark moments, I speak to you from a place of experience and compassion, from the place where hope was once smoke and now, a flame. This season will not last forever. Even if the only thing you accomplish today is surviving, it is enough.
In my final words, again, hold on not because you have to but because somewhere, deep down, there is still a part of you that wants to see the sunrise again.
