I have yet to seize any day that's passed in 2024, but I've come to realize that surviving the day is as important as seizing the day.
At the end of December, I survived a violent accident, sustaining 3rd-degree burns on my lower leg. As a result, I've been sidelined from normal life. Recovery from a burn, skin graft surgery, and subsequent nerve regeneration is a slow process. Enduring pain for a long period diminished my ability to even think straight, and then there were days when I had to rely on pain medication to pass the hours.
I've experienced all the bad "feels," from depression to panic to feeling overwhelmed. It's not in my nature to give up or give in. Even during some of my darkest days, I've strived to rise above my circumstances. If I can do it, so can you.
Strategies for Navigating Difficult Situations:
Worship shifts your attention from your problems to an Almighty God Who deserves our worship, regardless of our circumstances. Worship shifts our attitude from our problem to The Problem Solver.
Bible reading will feed your soul and shift your perspective. If you're having trouble reading through long passages, read bits from the Book of Proverbs.
Gratitude takes your eyes off what you can't do and opens them to the kindness given to you. Throughout my recovery, friends and family have been very giving in their time, prayers, meals, and gifts. I'm also grateful to see baby steps in my recovery. Acknowledging any improvement and being grateful for healing has moved the dial toward hopefulness.
Patience is a practiced art. I've had weeks to practice my patience and it has reminded me that life doesn't move on my timetable, and it shouldn't.
Social Media is not always your friend. When you can't enjoy life fully, it's not a good thing to surf social media where all your friends are living their best lives. Remember, social media is the highlight reel for folks, not everyday life.
Guard your heart and your mind. Feelings can be unreliable. Avoid thinking in extremes, and ask Him for wisdom in emotional moments.
Music can soothe your soul. I created a playlist of Christian songs that helped me to shift my attitude and encourage me.
A temporary situation doesn't have to define you. You will get through this, you will survive. Keep that perspective!
Count your blessings. Regardless of your troubles, it's not all gloom and doom. If you can think about the good things you enjoy, you can shift your attitude.
Trust that God will see you through your difficulties.
Be proud of yourself for doing your best under trying circumstances. Do whatever you must to get from one day to the next.
Just making it from one day to the next under difficult circumstances is an accomplishment. Remember that! Give yourself a break and just b-r-e-a-t-h-e.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8