I'm still learning how to cope and move on.

When life gets tough (and I promise it will...), please remember that you are never alone. Every single person goes through a trial, a hard week, has a mid-life crisis (maybe more than a few times in their life), or has a faith testing experience. We all have gone through break ups, seen a family member or close friend go down the wrong path, death, or experiencing college finals! Whether we think we go through these situations alone, you really do not. Our individual crises's, trials, or hardships also have an affect on our families and those around us. For example, let's say I have a close friend/roommate and she has a serious boyfriend for about 2 months. He breaks up with her for whatever reason, and she comes home sobbing saying how much she hates they guy. (Not a real story) Her individual crisis will have an affect on me because I live with her, I want to help and comfort her, and she needs someone there to listen. When problems come up in our lives, it is easy to crawl to a corner, eat a carton of ice cream, and forget about the world around. It is not easy though, for those around you to be around an emotional environment. If someone is sad and down, it brings others down as well. 

A lesson that I have learned through my young years of life, is to not let the hard problems stop you from finding true happiness and joy in life. We came to this earth to gain experience. Our trials and experience are meant to be for our good and learning. Why would we come here if life was suppose to be easy? After we experience the toughest part of the situation, here are a few tips I have seen work and have witnessed or myself to cope and find peace. 

1. Talk. When you talk with someone about the problem, you can receive feedback and advice. Do not let your feelings get so built up inside. It is not healthy, emotionally. Seek help from a family member, friend, or professional counseling if necessary. Be honest and open when you speak...

2. Listen. Listen to the feedback and advice you hear. You never know what words can help you. Be open to positive or even negative comments. It might not be what you want to hear, but it could help you.

3. Eating. I am not saying go out and binge eat or never eat again. I am saying to stay on a healthy, well balanced diet. Ice cream helps me, but that's just me! 

4. Look outside of yourself. This one may be tough, but when you stop looking at your problems and try to help someone else, something weird happens. You learn to love and care for other people and you feel happier! Try serving someone, but in a more sincere way. It really does work.

5. Last one that I think is most important above all. Trust in God. He truly has a plan for us and He knows what is going on in our lives. Religious or not, faith is an important attribute we can all develop. It gives us hope for a brighter future and peace that carries us through the days. Remember, we are never alone. Ever.

If you still feel doubt, shame, or pain, that is okay! We are all learning how to cope and overcome trials and weaknesses. We have been given many resources and people to help us in this life. Whether we are going through an individual crisis or family trial, we can comfort each other. We can support one another. We can love and serve another during the not so easy times.