Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine

RISE ABOVE

Wellness expert Celine Wallace guides us through surviving adversity at a time when it is faced daily.

- by CELINE WALLACE

The last year has been almost exclusivel­y defined by adversity. Yet, can we thrive instead of survive amid a difficult or unpleasant situation? You may find comfort in knowing that, without a doubt, hardship can be spun into evolution in four practical, simple steps.

Adversity comes in many forms—from physical, mental, emotional, and social, to spiritual, or financial. Amidst these varied hardships, there is solace in the fact that no matter who you are or where you come from, we all fall on hard times at some point in our life. Whether small or big, looming or present, or some stressful combinatio­n of all, adversitie­s tend to pile up until we feel overwhelme­d and allow it to affect everyone.

“It is only by facing

these difficult situations that we are forced to grow into our strength

and handle them. This becomes an opportunit­y to move toward

greatness.”

It is important to note that you could not possibly have become the person you are today if you did not have to contend with adversity on your way up. No matter how intelligen­t and careful you are, life will attempt to interrupt your natural path. It is only by facing these difficult situations that we are forced to grow into our strength and handle them. This becomes an opportunit­y to move toward greatness. Rarely do we step into our power through an easy life. We evolve predominan­tly when times are taxing.

When considerin­g your situation, it is essential that you mitigate your mindset. The starting point in dealing with any difficulty is to relax. Clear your mind. Get yourself into a calm enough headspace to control your emotions and senses, allowing you to become as objective as possible. Once you are able to step back and detach from the problem, you can clearly analyze your adversitie­s as if they are affecting someone else.

A primary task in our existence is to gain dexterity in dealing with adversity. The most successful people on the planet are not people without life's problems. The difference is in your reaction to such issues. Successful people respond quickly and positively to their problems. They troublesho­ot in advance; they anticipate conflict. When this is impossible, the four-step method resolves whatever difficulty one may encounter.

With the above strategies, you may cease surviving these situations and instead begin thriving. Focus your thoughts on where you're going, not on where you've been. Making sure to keep your eyes on your goals, your head up, and your chin tilted upward toward the sunshine, realize this is just another opportunit­y to achieve greatness, which is what awaits you on the other side. *

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