Navigating Life’s Storms: 3 Beliefs That Keep Me Grounded
Life has a funny way of surprising us when we least expect it. Sometimes, stressors show up seemingly out of nowhere, throwing us off course, stretching us thin, or pushing us to the brink. Over the years, I’ve developed a few tools and beliefs that I’ve leaned on during my toughest moments.
These practices have not only helped me endure but also grow in unexpected ways.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
1) Seek Everyday Miracles (and Offer One to Someone Else)
When the world feels heavy, I focus on looking for small, everyday miracles. These can be as simple as the perfect parking spot showing up, a heartfelt text from a friend, or a quiet sunrise that reminds me I’m part of something bigger. I’ve learned that miracles aren’t always grand gestures; they’re the tiny gifts that life offers when we slow down and pay attention.
I also challenge myself to offer a miracle to someone else—whether that’s lending an ear, sharing a kind word, or being there for someone when they least expect it. The beauty of seeking out and giving miracles is that it shifts my focus away from what’s lacking and directs it toward what’s abundant: connection, love, and the simple joys of being human. This mindset not only brings me peace but spreads it around, creating a ripple effect in the lives of others.
2) See Hard Times as an Internship
One of the best lessons I learned came from my years of interning—seven, to be exact! After earning my psychology degree and completing my master’s, I spent what felt like an eternity under supervisors who weren’t always consciously constructive. Some were downright frustrating. But I reframed the experience: this wasn’t just a job; it was an internship.
When life gets tough, I remind myself of that internship mindset. Every challenge, even the ones that don’t feel fair or aligned with my responsibilities, is an opportunity to grow. Whether it’s dealing with difficult people, unexpected responsibilities, or personal heartbreaks, I ask myself: What muscles am I strengthening here? What am I learning about myself, the world, and others?
By viewing life’s hard moments as an internship, I’ve found ways to grow beyond the pain. It allows me to see challenges as temporary learning experiences that expand my perspective, my skill set, and my resilience. I’m gaining exposure to parts of life that make me better equipped for whatever’s next.
3) Don’t Be a Hero – Admit Your Weaknesses and Ask for Help
This belief took me the longest to embrace. For a long time, I felt like I had to handle everything on my own—after all, aren’t we supposed to be strong, capable, and independent? But I’ve learned that being strong also means admitting when we’re weak. It’s about recognizing when we’re out of our depth and asking for help, knowing that vulnerability is not weakness but a form of courage.
No one knows exactly what I’m going through, and they don’t have to. What matters is recognizing my boundaries and having the courage to adjust them, allowing myself to receive help with grace and gratitude. There’s no shame in needing support, and I’ve learned that the sooner I ask for it, the sooner I can find relief. Whether it’s a close friend, a colleague, or a professional, receiving help lightens the load—and we don’t have to carry every burden alone.
In life, we don’t always get to control the timing of our challenges, but we can choose how we face them. By seeking out miracles, reframing the hard times as learning opportunities, and leaning on others when needed, we can navigate life’s toughest moments with grace, courage, and a little bit of perspective.
