How to manage the highs and lows of life

We all have bad days, tough moments, rough patches. The real work, I’ve learned in the last couple of years, is in learning how to ride the highs and lows and the curveballs life throws us. To learn how to return to yourself and not rely on other people, places or things to soothe. To not let bad news at work, a traffic jam, a fight with a friend, or gaining a few pounds totally derail your day, week or month. 

I use what I like to call pillars to create a strong foundation. When my pillars are in place and being honored, I feel grounded, faithful, adaptable and resilient. In turn, I can manage the highs and lows more easily. 

My pillars are:

Morning and evening routines to anchor my day

A supportive community

Meditation

Eating healthy

Exercise

We all have different pillars that help keep us resilient and steady. To come up with you pillars, try this.

Think back to a time when you felt truly happy and at ease. What were some of the key characteristics?

Could you regularly implement any of those things into your life?

What are some of your pillars? 

To dig deeper on this, you can explore what pillars you are honoring the most and the least. How could you create more space for some of those that aren’t getting as much TLC right now? 

When you find yourself in a stressful moment, on the receiving end of bad news, or overcome with anxiety, check in with your pillars. Which ones can you lean on for stability?