While it is part of our universal nature to seek pleasure and avoid pain, culture plays a central role in how we deal with suffering. In the West, we generally reject suffering. We see it as an unwelcome interruption of our pursuit of happiness. So we fight it, repress it, medicate it, or search for quick-fix solutions to get rid of it.

In some cultures, especially in the East, suffering is acknowledged for the important role it plays in people’s lives, in the meandering path toward enlightenment. Though it may seem like positivity is a character trait you either have or don’t, it’s actually a choice you make each and every day. It may take time and practice, but you can learn to challenge negative thoughts and habits to turn them toward positivity. In fact, it may be easier than you think!

The Tibetan monk Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche discusses four benefits of suffering: wisdom, resilience, compassion, and deep respect for reality. He said, “Wisdom emerges from the experience of suffering. When things go well, we rarely stop to ask questions about our lives. A difficult situation, however, often forces us out of our mindless state, causing us to reflect on our experiences. To be able to see deeply, to develop what King Solomon referred to as a wise heart, we must brave the eye of the storm”.

Here are the key reminders for you to support you to emerge stronger when you are going through tough times:

Choose to start each day on a positive note
There will always be days when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, but even on those days, you can choose to have a positive attitude. Try starting your day with a little yoga or meditation to center yourself and elevate your mood.

Give yourself the permission to feel
Honor your feelings — they are a natural part of being human. We each experience a full range of emotions. Some are more pleasant than others, but all are valid. When we try to suppress our difficult feelings, they only get stronger.

Be mindful of negative self-talk
Day in and day out we all have a running dialogue with the voice inside our heads. You can’t always control that voice, but you can cultivate an awareness of negative self-talk and choose to challenge it rather than letting it run rampant and ruin your mood.

Practice gratitude on a daily basis
It’s easy to wallow in negativity when you feel like everything is against you. If you take a moment to think, however, you’ll realize that it isn’t all bad – you’ll always have something to be grateful for

Take care of yourself – at all levels!
Self-care is not all massages and bubble baths — not that there’s anything wrong with those. But sometimes, good self-care is simply remembering to eat, drink, shower, or rest. You are important, and the matter of your personal needs. Don’t minimize them. Check-in with yourself periodically. Remember, in your self-care practice ‘Silence’; meditate; get your chakras and energies balanced; rest, and enjoy your daily life moments.

Take advantage of opportunities to help others
Even when it’s difficult to keep your own spirits up, it’s easy to make someone else smile. Doing good for others can help you foster positivity in your own life and it’s simpler than you might think. Simply giving a stranger a smile or paying for someone’s coffee can have a positive impact.

Take a ‘Technology break’
Yes, it’s good to be informed. But with access to 24-hour online and cable news, and the onslaught of social media information — and misinformation — it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Information is empowering, but too much information has the opposite effect. It’s okay to turn off the TV, computer, and phone for a while. If you can get outside in nature, that’s even better.

Talk to someone you trust
It’s important to connect with loved ones. Life is short- tell the people who matter to you that you care about them!

Get professional help when you need it
Hard as you may try, it’s difficult to overcome negative self-talk and address harmful habits on your own. If you’re struggling with anxiety and depression or simply looking to learn some helpful coping mechanisms, it may be time to seek professional help. Fortunately, help is just a click away. Book your confidential one-on-one energy healing session today!

Right now, things may feel scary, overwhelming, and strange. It may seem like there’s no end in sight. But feelings — and circumstances — are temporary. We’ll get through this. Take some of the tips above and put them into practice in your own life to see the transformation for yourself. Learning to cultivate a positive attitude can help you conquer stress and fight through the tough times to rise victorious on the other side.

P.S. From my heart to yours…
“I care about you, I am here to support you, and stand with you.
Sending love and light your way. Namaste”.