Day 17: Strength

Have you ever had one of those days where it seems like you don’t have the strength to keep going but when you compare your struggles to someone else’s struggles it puts things into perspective? I go through this every once in a while. As an introvert, if I am on the go too much in a short period of time, I withdraw and don’t want to do anything until I have regained my energy. But really, what kind of struggle is that compared to someone terminally ill? I’m not downplaying the idea that we all have degrees of problems, but it helps me to put my issues into perspective and gain the strength to keep going. Sometimes it’s just what I need.

What other ways can we find strength?

1. Journaling or writing – Let out those thoughts that have filled your head and put them into action. It also helps to have an archive to look back upon and see how you dug out of the hole to get going again. Both fiction and nonfiction can work.
2. Praying or meditating – Clear your mind of worries as much as you can, and let the peace of being calm and still give you strength.
3. Reading – Find an inspiring story of someone who found the strength to keep moving.
4. Exercise – HA! Remember a couple of days ago when I wrote about exercising? If not, go read it and see why I am laughing about this suggestion. Seriously, there are times when I am exercising that it helps me not only feel physically stronger but mentally stronger, as well.  I’m sure it has to do with endorphins that give you the natural high where you feel like you can conquer anything.
5. Talking with a friend – Friends can be the best for giving encouragement or just listening when you need it.

There are just a few of the ways that we can push aside the negative and look toward the positive to gain the strength we need to stay in this world.   I encourage you to find what works for you, and it might be a variety of ways, as I’ve just mentioned five that work for me in various situations. How do you find strength when you’re a little low on fuel?

“We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face… we must do that which we think we cannot.” – Eleanor Roosevelt 

Read more about the 31 Days of Journaling Prompts
Today’s recommended 31 Day Blogger: 31 Days of Life Lessons Only Cancer Could Teach @ Pinked Perspective