Life is composed of a series of fleeting moments. It’s critical to remind ourselves that this, too, shall pass when life is hard.

“When you get into a tight place, and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” — Harriet Beecher Stowe, an American writer and educator

Life can get challenging. Difficulties are inevitable. The worst storms can wreak havoc on our lives.

During hard times, it’s essential to remember that challenges are usually temporary. We have overcome trials before and have the support to weather the lows of our lives.

When faced with hardship, it helps to remember that life is made up of temporary moments. This will pass.

We all experience ups and downs, so having patience, perspective, and a positive attitude can make a big difference.

Remember:

• You have people who care about you.
• The road will be windy.
• You have navigated difficult times in the past.

Situations change. Seasons of struggle come and go. Sadness doesn’t last forever.

“The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow.” — Robert Tew, an author

10 things to remember when life feels tough

Here are 10 things you should remember when life feels hard.

1. Remember, this too shall pass

As difficult as things are at this moment, the feeling won’t last forever. This season of your life is just a phase, not the whole of your life journey.

Remember that when facing tough times, no circumstance is permanent. It does not matter how bad it is in the moment.

This thinking is an empowering reminder.

• We have the fortitude and inner strength to persist through life’s ups and downs.
• We can emerge stronger on the other side after weathering a dark and powerful storm.

2. Focus on what you can control

Don’t obsess over the things you can’t control when life gets hard. Shift your thinking to what you can control and what you have power over.

This is your thoughts, attitude, mindset, words, and actions.

Life will bring us unexpected twists and turns. It can feel jarring at the time, but you must channel your energy into things you can influence.

You have the power to shape your priorities and perspective.

3. Lean on your support system

During a challenging season in your life, you face hardship, grief, and sadness. It can be easy to isolate yourself.

Lean on your support system, comprising close friends, family members, and colleagues, who can offer comfort.

Their advice can help you overcome hard times. Their empathetic ear can make a big difference.

Connect with your support circle. Lean on them.

This can remind you that you don’t have to walk this journey alone.

4. Search for the positive

A little pocket of brightness can make a big difference when things seem dire. Look for the little things that are going well.

• Seek out the positives.
• Enjoy a quiet moment in nature.
• Listen to a song that speaks to you.
• Have a good talk with a friend.

Search for the positive that inspires and motivates you to overcome challenging times. Purposefully and intentionally look for the positive in the negative.

Remember, the sun is still shining behind the clouds.

5. Be gentle with yourself

Life’s challenging moments can be tough. Be gentle with yourself, and refrain from judging and criticizing yourself too harshly.

Give yourself compassion like you would your best friend.

When you are struggling, you must not add to it with self-criticism. Talk to yourself with understanding, care, and patience.

• Set manageable goals.
• Get enough sleep and exercise.
• Eat well and take care of yourself.

6. Find healthy distractions

You face hardship sometimes. It can be helpful to distract your mind a little from constant worrying. Try to avoid negative thoughts.

Pursue healthy distractions like:

• Reading a book
• Watching your favorite comedian
• Taking a walk.

Taking a healthy break can give your mind a rest. This will help you return to the challenge with a fresh perspective.

Allow yourself to take a break. Immerse yourself in something else. Try engaging in a hobby or watching a comedy to boost your mood.

7. Take things one step at a time

Don’t let the long-term view stress you out too much. It can be totally overwhelming to think about everything you have to do.

Break things down into small parts and tackle one thing at a time.

• Focus on taking one step at a time.
• Tackle one task.
• Live one day at a time.

You won’t be overwhelmed by the bigger picture when you take things little by little.

8. Look back at what you have already overcome

Remind yourself that you have overcome past challenges. You have already summoned the inner strength to face tough times.

You have the resilience to do what it takes to get through a bad storm in your life.

Past successes and accomplishments can give you the strength you need to emerge victorious again.

Remember that you have already climbed and conquered many mountains in your life.

Look back at your life and remember that you have the perseverance and persistence to do it again.

9. Trust that better days are ahead

When you are struggling with challenges, it can seem like the pain will never end.

Have faith that the sun rises every day and light will follow the darkest night.

Shift your focus toward the future and envision brighter days ahead. If you persist through this story, you can and will thrive again.

You have made it this far, and you can go farther.

Trust that better days are ahead because they are, and you know it.

10. Find the life lesson

Suffering is not fun or easy. Yet, these challenges come with a pearl of wisdom. Consider what hard times are trying to teach you so you can grow from them.

Learning from adversity changes your perspective. You transform from a victim of circumstance to a beacon of hope for others.

• Embrace the mindset that your pain has a purpose.
• Look for a life lesson that adversity can teach you.

You can emerge wiser after your struggles.

Bringing it all together

Nothing lasts forever, whether the circumstances are good or bad. Hard times will pass in time.

Challenges help us build resilience to handle future adversity.

Look at struggles as a blessing. They help equip you for later trials.

The right mindset can be the difference between victory and defeat.

Remember that breakthroughs often happen on the other side of a breaking point.

• Take a deep breath and persevere a little longer.
• You can make it through the storm.
• You have the strength to make it through the dark hours, especially when life feels hard.

Life is not all sunshine and rainbows. Remember that you have guideposts along the way to help you get through it.

You have the inner strength to cope, grow, and emerge stronger on the other side.

“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” — Victor Hugo, a French writer

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