1. Look for the lesson or purpose in things. Everything happens for a reason. No matter how tragic something may be, there is always a purpose or a lesson to be found in it. When you find this it brings you peace.

2. When you understand something it is easier to accept. Often we look at things from our own perspective without consideration on the bigger picture, different angle, or the impact on others. If you take the time to understand why something is the way it is, you may still not like it, but it does become easier to accept.

3. Focus on the things that you can change or influence rather than the things that are outside your control. There are things that happen that you just cannot change. It is counter productive focusing on these things. Focus on increasing your circle of influence then taking action on the things within your circle of control. For example, you can’t change famine in a 3rd World Country. You can increase your circle of influence by raising awareness, creating a charity, donating. The things directly within your circle of control as how you think, how you react and how you behave.

4. Live in gratitude. It is difficult to be in a constant state of negativity when you live with gratitude. In any situation, look for what you are grateful for. Where are the blessings. If you look hard enough, you will always find at least one thing.

5. Be realistic about things. Consider the possibilities that things may go wrong, what these things may be and create strategies for if they do go wrong. Being prepared and being solution focused helps you get straight into action when needed, rather than sitting there in misery licking your wounds.

–        Coach Terri