Getting Through Tough Times
Last week I brought you through how I stay on track and keep my creative process flowing when things go awry. But, what happens when you can’t seem to get out of that funk? Sometimes it takes more work than running through your daily routine.
I have had my fair share of tough times, I can tell you that. I have fought my way through a male-dominated industry, overcome family and personal struggles, and started my own badass brand to let people know they aren’t alone. With all of this came a lot of self doubt and negativity, which led to some huge challenges. However, you are all sitting there reading this blog right now probably thinking, “Well, she ended up alright!” – You’re right, but it took a lot to get here.
Trusting My Gut
When going through these difficult periods in my life, I knew that I always had to trust my gut. I know that can sound cliche, but for me, it was the reality. A lot of bad things were happening, but I always had a gut feeling that something good would come out of all the negativity. I always repeated this saying to myself: sometimes the bad things that happen to us put us on the path to the best things to happen. If you don’t have a positive mantra like that, I suggest finding one you like and saying it to yourself!
Being able to fully trust my gut that something positive would come out of all the negativity kept me going. It allowed me to motivate and push myself to succeed. I knew who I was, I knew what I wanted, and I could feel that my life would turn out okay… better than okay, great! Knowing who I am as a person has helped me take risks and go for the life that I have dreamed of. Being able to trust your gut is simply trusting your own intuition – it is a way to stay true to yourself. Following your instinct can lead you to becoming your best self and lead you to the best path. I don’t know too much about manifesting feelings, but this sure felt like I manifested my life!
I still continue to trust my gut every single day. I still continue to take risks every single day, and I still become a better version of myself every single day. I am a big believer in trusting your gut because nobody knows you better than yourself!
Keep On Moving
If you aren’t totally set on trusting your gut yet, that’s okay, find something else to keep you moving. I don’t mean physical movement – it can be physical movement, but it wasn’t for me. When I feel really down in the dumps, what keeps me moving is my team… They push me to be a better person and a better leader, even when I fail. If I sink, I get back up and try again. I look back and realize that it was my inner strength pushing me to keep moving and put one foot in front of the other. Getting through difficult times was a process, and still is, but my own strength and support from my team help me preserve. I would not be where I am without them.
When I was younger I wanted to become a physical therapist. Obviously my life went in a different direction, but it was the principle of helping others that drew me to it. I have always wanted to help others, because that made me feel like my job mattered. I help people in different ways now, and I am happy knowing that my team is making a difference and having a good time doing it. This has always been a big driving factor of my motivation and happiness. Creating such a positive work culture and team keeps me moving and focused on all the great things that lie ahead, not stuck reminiscing on all of the tough times.
If you’re feeling down, it’s time to stop getting dragged down by the bad things in your life and start taking charge of the positive. Get past tough times by trusting yourself and finding motivators that help you get through them. Life is hard, but it doesn’t have to feel like an insurmountable obstacle. We have to go through the hard times to get our heads in the right place before we can build the momentum we need, to get where we want to be. Honestly, it’s the work we do after we make it through the rough times that matters the most!
Live Life On Your Own Terms!
Michelle