There will be times where you stand in darkness and find peace in it.

There will be times when you feel there is no hope, and there is no way out, like the situation will never end.

Nothing bad lasts forever.

These are the times, you draw on your inner strength to help pull you out.

Think back to something you succeeded in that required strength. It could be getting a new job, quitting smoking, buying a house, joining a gym when you were scared of gyms, going to a party where you didn’t know anyone…

What qualities did you show in that instance that showed your inner strength? Courage? Perseverance? Determination? Patience? Loyalty? Honesty?

Draw on these strengths and summon them to help you take the first step away from the tough times.

The first step could be stepping out of the dark. It could be talking to someone, even if the words are all jumbled and make no sense. It could be admitting to yourself you need support.

It’s ok to have ‘these times’. However you need to recognize them as just ‘times’ and not your whole life.

Break them down into specific situations; bite size pieces. Then focus on drawing strength to tackle each of the single pieces rather than your feelings as a whole.

Eat the elephant, one bite at a time. This will help you escape the overwhelm so you can breath, and start taking baby steps away from how you are feeling, and towards feeling better.

Ask for help. If you feel you can’t talk to anyone around you, speak to your GP. They are there to help. They will help guide you.

Don’t try to fight alone. Nobody ever succeeded alone.

These are difficult times we are living in. Everyone is battling their own war. Take comfort in knowing you are not the only person struggling. And also take comfort that help is just a phone call away.

God bless and may peace be with your heart, soul and mind.

– Coach Terri