When you’re in an era where you and your loved ones feel like you’re treading water and getting nowhere fast, it’s at just such a moment that you can really use comforting words for hard times. So how do you make your way through the darkest moments?
Really. It will. No matter what you think, or how horrible you feel, know for sure that it’s not forever. It sounds trite, but like many expressions that become cliches, there’s so much truth to it that people repeat it for its wisdom.
You will see the light at the end of the tunnel, and yes, there really is an end to the worst times, no matter how endless they feel.
You don’t have to lie to yourself, or make up fairy tales. You can face reality head on, and know that it really is the truth that no matter how bad things are, they won’t be this way forever.
Alternately - though this may not seem to be much comfort - there is a measure of peace is knowing that as bad as things are, yes, they really could be worse. (Now it’s your job not to obsess on what could be around the bend. You’ve got enough on your plate.)
Focus on the good things in your life, because like fear, things for which to be grateful are just as real. Don’t focus solely on what you may have temporarily lost, when you must also recognize that the good is just as real as what’s bad.
If you’re afraid or desperate, imagine how these events play on the nerves of your nearest and dearest. No family or friends are in a vacuum. They know what you’re going through, and it’s very likely they’re going through their own difficulties.
As bad as you may feel, put yourself in their place. They could certainly use comforting words for hard times, just as you could use the reassurance yourself.
Allow yourself a few cliches. “Things won’t always be this bad,” and “we’ll make it through this, don’t worry,” may have been said a million times, but they actually are true.
Say these things to your family and friends, and mean what you say (because you do know it’s true!) You’ll be amazed at how comforting words for hard times can have an astonishingly positive effect, even in the midst of hardship.
Remember that it’s perfectly natural to be fearful of what you don’t know. The goal here is not to let yourself lose control, or panic to the point where the emotions are running your life, instead of your rational mind.
After all, you’re alive. Hopefully you’re in good health; your family is well fed; you have a roof over your head.
They all sound like “so what?” moments, but how many people in the world have never had such luxuries? Be thankful for what you have, for the good in your life.
You’d be amazed at how the simple act of gratitude can give you a peace you’ve never known.
Sometimes the best way to forget your own troubles is to extend a hand to someone who is worse off than you are (and though you may not believe it, there are many, many people out there who have it rougher than you!)
Extend a hand in friendship. Do what you can to lighten the load. Even little things, small gestures, a few comforting words for hard times, can make another’s burden lighter.
That can only do your own soul good. Karma exists; the good you do will come back to you, so don’t be stingy.