Moving on

Recently I have watched a friend go through a really rough time in her life. Without going into details, she was severely hurt emotionally and physically. 2011 was no picnic for her and it has left her a bit broken. She asks, " When will I be over this?" How many of us have asked ourselves this question when life gets tough and hits us in our blind spot from behind? You might be surprised that you are not the only one. So how do you move on when this happens? How do you pick your self up, dust your self off and continue with your head held high and your spirits unbroken. From my experience I have found that it takes the following things to continue with your life unscathed: a good support group, self realization, a decision to move on, a positive attitude, and simply time.

When life sucker punches you to the ground, you need to surround yourself with a team to help you back up to your feet and stabilize you. Why? Simply because you may not be in the state of mind or have the will and strenth to be able to do it on your own. This team of people may be your family, neighbors, or friends. It maybe a councelor, a bishop, or even an acquaintance. Whomever you choose to surround yourself with, make sure they are positive and encouraging. You should feel at peace around them. They should improve your life by just being in the room. At the same time its important that your support group keeps you thinking logically and realistically. Let them help you and guide you to making good decisions as you progress though this tough time.

Secondly, you need to realize who you are and the fact that you are a great individual no matter what has happened and who may have told you otherwise. When you realize your potential, you can strive to become it, pushing forward with a understanding that you can be anyone you want to be. You don't need to let your past define who you are. Let it refine you into something better instead of letting it drag you down. When you start to love yourself again, the sun will rise and you will feel infinitely better.

As your confidence level rises thanks to your support groups and your own self realization, you will find that a point comes where you have to make a mental decision to start the process of moving on. This is an important task. Look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself that you are going to be happy and you are going to leave your past behind you taking only the positive from it and leaving the negative to rot away to nothingness. Shout out to the world that yes, you are moving on. Verbally proclaim it to all those around you, so that you are committed both silently and publicly. Keep in mind that starting to move on it just that... you are STARTING the process and it may take a while before you complete the task. Having said that, also keep in mind once you have made the decision to move on, a ton of bricks will be lifted off of your load and you will feel significantly better.

Ok! You are feeling better, but now its time to gritt your teeth and buckle up for the long road ahead of you! How do you do this? With you attitude of course:). It important to remain positive. The pain and hurt will not immediately go away and it will be easy to slide back into depression and self pity. Don't do this. It only hurts yourself. Remain hopeful for your future life and beyond all else, forgive those who may have trespassed against you. This positive attitude and kindness to others will give you peace of mind and of heart that is vital to the healing process.

Finally as you press forward holding onto all that is positive and good, remember that it takes time. For some its a short period of time. For others it takes significantly longer. Just know that time does heal all wounds. And one day you WILL wake up, and all the wounds of your heart will be sealed up leaving only a faint scar to remind you of your past so that you may learn from it and not repeat those things that led you to being hurt in the first place. That is the beauty of all of this! If you get bashed in the face by life, your face will heal and you can fix it making it even more beautiful than before! It's crazy but its true! And beyond all else, remember that God does love you and he wants you to be happy. So don't forget to pray to him. He will help you in ways that you can not help yourself. He will give you the spirit of peace and you will feel his love. And that is the best medicine of all.