Adversity.

We all go through adversity. 

Wouldn't it be great if through it all, whatever it is that we individually face, we could emerge from it with some form of joy, a reframing and perspective applied to keep us whole?? Let us hope that for you and me.

Here are reminders to us on how to keep things in perspective in adversity to emerge all the stronger.

1. Re-anchor your anchor.

Times of adversity obviously brings challenge--and often brings change, too. We tend to hate change because it makes us feel untethered, like we're rattling in the wind when we'd rather have our feet firmly planted on the ground.

It is helpful in such times to remember what the adversity and associated change won't change - that's important. By staying grounded this way, we stay anchored to what matters and to what can serve as a source of constancy, even in the face of painful adversity and associated change. It's an anchor that lifts you up instead of weighing you down.

2. Think of adversity like a software upgrade.

Think of adversity like a virus attacking your operating system. When you handle it head on you become stronger and more resistant to the next wave of adversity. 

Let's try to think of how our "system has been upgraded" after we go through something rough... how the malware has improved your hardware, and how you are more hardwired for future resilience.

It's not as easy as flipping a switch or just uploading a new attitude, but it's a calming process that can help us turn the damage of adversity on its head.

3. Move on to move up.

Adversity gets us stuck. We lament what we're going through, why it couldn't have happened to someone more deserving of it. Or just plain, why? 

Let us set aside adversity of the truly traumatic or grief-stricken kind, that deserves separate consideration.

Research shows that when it comes to the more "day-to-day" yet still serious adversity we can face, it's important to accept what's happened and what's out of your control and to move quickly into recovery, repair, and reflection mode. This includes learning from whatever part you may have had in bringing about the adversity to begin with or reflecting upon how you handled it along the way.

Let's hope you never face self-induced adversity.. But whatever form it takes, here's to hoping you can manage your way to the end.

I wish you a stronger, bolder and better you.