We live with a bombardment of emotions, demands, and decisions. But there’s always a way out that isn’t giving up.
—
We all have times where we just want to give up on everything and shut the door to the outside world. We want to stop the madness, the mess, and the chaos. Sometimes that means your motivation to keep on going will leave you.
Being unforgiving keeps you stuck and holds you hostage.
|
However, there is always a way out of the mess we make for ourselves. Always.
The following steps are some of the best ways to get yourself back on track and to keep yourself moving forward, one step at a time.
#1 — Get out in Nature
Being close to the woods, a park, or water, is the most natural anti-depressant. We often get stuck looking at our computer screen and forget about what’s around us. The woods have such wonderful energy, and remind us of days long ago when things were simpler. The freshness of the air is like a kiss. The leaves on the trees is like a canvas, which change color over the seasons. The sounds in a forest amaze me every day.
I recently went picking chanterelle mushrooms and there was a sound that took me a moment to recognize: the sound of a large bird’s wings flapping as it took flight. Also, when I am close to a body of water, I am at peace. It is the place where I feel like I am connecting with the earth and with the energy of nature.
#2 — Be in service
When you get out there and help someone who is less fortunate, it can be very humbling. You suddenly realize that you have something to offer which might be of great value. There is nothing better than being in service and lifting up someone who has fallen far.
#3 — Forgive
Forgive everyone and everything. Holding onto it doesn’t benefit you, and it doesn’t do anything for the person/thing you’re withholding it from. Being unforgiving keeps you stuck and holds you hostage. Free yourself by forgiving the past, the people involved, and most importantly, forgive yourself.
#4 — Self-Care
In the old days, this concept was considered selfish. But it is imperative. As a society, we are so busy that we don’t take time out for ourselves. How can we possibly care for others and lift them up if we don’t take care of ourselves?
#5 — Set Healthy Boundaries
When we don’t have healthy boundaries, people walk all over us because we have taught them how to treat us. Healthy boundaries and saying no to what isn’t suitable for you is very important — otherwise, you feel helpless, devalued, and a lesser person. Drawing a line in the sand and saying, “I will not tolerate this behavior any longer,” will let the other person know that you are standing in your own power, and they need to find a new way to interact with you.
#6 — This is your life
It’s not your mother’s life, your wife’s life, your children’s, coworkers or anyone else’s life. It’s all yours. What are you willing to do to make it the best life possible?
#7 — Rewrite your story
You have the choice, during every single moment of every single day, to begin again. In each breath you are brand new. So take a deep breath and begin again. The best is yet to be.
#8 — Be in gratitude
You are never alone. We are all connected, and we all have a story.
|
When I ask my clients to be in gratitude, they sometimes say there is nothing to be grateful for. When we focus on things to be grateful for, more things of gratitude will show up.
#9 — You are not alone
You are never alone. We are all connected, and we all have a story. Learn the stories of others and you’ll find some truths of your own.
#10 — Connect with others
Reach out and connect with someone. Anyone. Learn from people. Find out what they love, who they love, ask them about their lives, what makes them say “wow”? What do they love to do? I will bet that when you ask questions, you will find a connection.
◊♦◊
Giving up is not the answer. Putting one step in front of the other is the way to keep on going. You don’t need to do everything all at once. Just pick one thing, and do something with it. We are all on a journey of self discovery. Why not make yours an exciting journey with a happy ending?
Would you like to help us shatter stereotypes about men?
Receive stories from The Good Men Project, delivered to your inbox daily or weekly.
—
Photo: Unsplash/Hannah Morgan