When things seem to keep going wrong!
How often do we find ourselves struggling because we are reluctant to appear weak and ask for assistance, or because we believe we should be able to manage independently? Sometimes, we forget that friends and family are usually more than willing to support us in ways that can alleviate some of the pressure.
Recently, I found myself in this position. The year seemed to begin poorly for me, with one setback following another. The adage that “bad things come in threes” originates from superstition or folklore, yet I confess I was waiting for the third misfortune, which indeed occurred this morning.
Of course, setbacks happen from time to time. When we are feeling low – perhaps after Christmas expenses or disheartened by the cold and wet weather – minor issues can often feel amplified, sometimes seeming more significant than they truly are. We may even start searching for problems where none truly exist, and frequently, we can identify them.
However, over the past couple of weeks, it has genuinely been one thing after another. I reached a point where I wondered whether staying in bed would be the better option. Naturally, that is neither feasible nor advisable.
Today, I wish to share the steps I took to manage the uncertainty, the need to make decisions, and the various challenges I faced.
- I completed my usual workout, followed by some stretching and breathing exercises.
- I focused on my own self-care, reminding myself to be kind and patient.
- I prepared a warm drink, sat down and compiled a list of the issues I needed to address. Writing them down helped me break them into manageable, smaller tasks, rather than trying to tackle everything at once.
- I made several phone calls from my list and discovered that support was available — advice I had not considered myself.
- By crossing off some items from the list, I gradually felt more focused and able to approach each problem individually, rather than becoming overwhelmed by everything.
It was not an easy process. However, one thing I have learned about myself is that I am a proactive person. While it can be difficult to accept setbacks, developing a plan and following through with it significantly improved my outlook.
I also realised that there was someone I could reach out to for assistance. Although asking for help does not always come easily, I made another call — and guess what, yes, they were pleased to help. In fact, they scolded me gently for not contacting them sooner. I had allowed my pride to inhibit me, forgetting the importance of seeking support—something I often remind my clients.
So as I started work this afternoon, I felt so much better, and proud of myself, which of course is an empowering feeling. Onwards and upwards.
