By: Asia Shamir Ferguson
In the midst of an uncertain political climate, many of us are forced to adjust to economic, social, and cultural changes. While it may be cliché to say “practice gratitude”, counting your blessings is truthfully one of the quickest ways to shift your perspective and lean into opportunities for growth.
If you’ve never heard the saying “energy goes where attention flows”, consider this your chance to affirm that no matter how hard things get, your power is not lost.
Shifting your mindset won’t necessarily take all your problems away, but it can serve as a gateway to reclaim your power amid struggle. If you want to find your joy and sanity during rough patches in life, here are a few ways to find sunshine on a rainy, cloudy day.
Invest In Personalized Self-Care
It’s easy to feel selfish or guilty for setting aside time to tend to your needs. However, tending to your needs, regardless of what they are, dresses you in the armor you need to fight the battles that come with life. The phrase “self-care” is often stigmatized down to spa days and pampering, when actually revitalization should be unique to your likes and passions. During moments when so much focus is on everything but you, set aside time to reconnect and ground yourself in activities you love. Whether it be fashion, art, food, or rest, dedicate time to pour back into you.
Get help from the experts
During hard times, it can be difficult to put on your big girl pants, “toughen up”, and power through. If you get stuck, it’s important to seek help, whether it be physical, mental, spiritual, or emotional to strengthen your ability to conquer the rollercoaster of life. If you’re struggling to see your way through, bring in a trusted professional wherever you see fit to assist you in finding your path to joy again. For example, this could be done by sourcing a personal trainer, holistic doctor, spiritual counselor, or therapist.
Lean on your community
During rough patches, it can be easy for many of us to shove ourselves into a box of isolation. However, that could potentially push us deeper into a rut, leading to anxiety and depression. Through community (family and friend relationships) whether it be in person or online, we can find upliftment and discover that we are not alone.
Rain is known to be cleansing and an opportunity for renewal. However, the path can become slippery and muddy without proper guidance and redirection. Use these tips to help you dance in the rain and find the joy necessary to make the journey worth it until the sun comes out again.
Asia Shamir Ferguson is a multi-media fashion, culture, and entertainment journalist based in Atlanta, GA. Proudly a part of Generation Z of storytellers and creatives, she’s passionate about creating diverse, relevant, and high-quality content to shift the culture forward through authentic storytelling and quality journalism.
