When bad things happen part 2

continued thoughts on “When life hits you hard” by Jordan Petersen –

Responsibility is not a burden.  It is the path forward.  The more responsibility you take, the stronger you become.  You’re a person who is actively creating your future.  

When life knocks you down, resist the urge to stay there.  Take an honest look at what is in your control and start there because even the smallest steps taken consistently can lead you out of the darkest places.

Master your emotions instead of letting them master you.  This is not easy.  (Don’t listen to yourself – talk to yourself.)  Emotions are signals – trying to tell you something.  If you react impulsively, you destroy relationships.  If you ignore emotions, that creates suffering too.

Recognize your emotions without letting them dictate your actions.  Instead of  “I am angry”, say “I feel anger rising in me” – that puts a little distance between you and the emotions.

Feelings are temporary, but your actions can have lasting consequences.  Ask, “Why am I feeling this?  What are my emotions trying to tell me?”  Channel your emotions to fuel action toward something meaningful.  Remind yourself – you are not your emotions.

Take responsibility for what you can control and let go of what you can’t.  Make the distinction between what you can control and what you can’t.  Control your mindset, attitude, and actions.

Bad things happen – will you define yourself by what happened or by how you respond to it?