How to cope with difficult situations 

Vanessa Casalinuovo – Contributor

 

 

 

I think almost all of us have come across a time where we thought: “If I only knew then what I know now.” I found myself saying this phrase when writing one of my essays last Thursday evening. If only I knew how to write like I do now, then maybe I would have received a better grade. Subsequently, I stopped myself and thought — this is the course of life. We must accept as we move through life that it is a process.  We gain knowledge and understanding in the world around us as time goes on. Recognize where you are in this moment. Do you appreciate how far you’ve come? 

I believe it’s important to remember that everyday is an opportunity to learn more. Life is filled with difficulties and set backs, but how we overcome hard times highlights our future. Most of us have faced a difficult circumstance in life (whether it was a job loss or death) and each trial has impacted our lives and how we view the world at large. Today, I hope to share with you some spiritual advice that has helped me when life gets tough: “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way” (James 1:2-4).  

Sometimes how we view hard situations determines the results of them. Trust that even through difficult situations you can come out appreciating life more and receive a new perspective. Not every negative situation has to have a negative outcome, and how we respond to harsh times predicts our future.  Start with believing and trusting that the life will work out the way that God has intended it to. Shifting our thoughts from negative to positive can truly change our outlook. 

Overall my faith has carried me through life and has helped me to view the world differently. It’s easy to get caught up in the business of life, but I encourage you to acknowledge the now. Be thankful for what you have because every good thing in life comes from above (James 1:17).