Hi and welcome back to my Podcast! I am excited about this weeks topic, as we have all hit rock bottom and had to figure out how to get back up when life has knocked us down. Donnie McClurkin has a song entitled Stand and the words to the song simply ask the question:
What do you do when you've done all you can and it seems like it's never enough? And what do you say When your friends turn away and you're all alone? Tell me, what do you give when you've given your all and it seems like you can't make it through? Well, you just stand when there's nothing left to do. You just stand, watch the Lord see you through. Yes, after you've done all you can, you just stand.
Tell me, how do you handle the guilt of your past? Tell me, how do you deal with the shame? And how can you smile while your heart has been broken and filled with pain? Tell me what do you give when you've given your all? Seems like you can't make it through. Child, you just stand when there's nothing left to do, you just stand, watch the Lord see you through. Yes, after you've done all you can you just stand. Stand and be sure, be not entangled in that bondage again, you just stand and endure. God has a purpose, yes, God has a plan.
Tell me what do you do when you've done all you can and it seems like you can't make it through? Child, you just stand. Don't you dare give up through the storm. Stand through the rain. Through the hurt yeah, through the pain. Don't you bow, and don't you bend. Don't give up, no, don't give in. Hold on, just be strong. God will step in and it won't be long. After you've done all you can, after you've gone through the hurt, after you've gone through the pain, after you've gone through the storm, after you've gone through the rain. Prayed and cried; After you've done all you can you just stand.
So, what do you do when you’ve done all you can do:
1. Stay Hopeful. Life is full of challenges, but hope is key to enduring and conquering them.
2. Make A Conscious Choice To Be Happy. Happiness is a choice, and your perception is your reality. Finding the good in all situations will help to overcome negative beliefs.
3. Pick Your Battles. Work on the things you have control over, instead of overwhelming yourself with things you can’t change. Let Go… Let God!
4. Reflect, Relax and Release. Surrendering it to God means we don’t get to hang on to it. It’s good to reflect and learn from your mistakes and undesirable situations, but don’t get hung up on them. Let it go and relax. Release the pressure of the situation and move forward.
5. Take Time For Yourself. Do something that eases your mind; something enjoyable that can make you feel refreshed and alive. Take a hot bath, do some crafts or hobbies, get out and enjoy your surroundings, or take in a movie or go to dinner with friends or family. Just do something!
6. Live, Laugh, And Love. Make a choice to live! Research has proven that laughter releases hormones that reduce stress, provides a physical and emotional release, and even provides a good workout for the heart. Make a decision to love yourself, flaws and all.
BONUS: I challenge you to try each and every one of these tips, so that you can take control over your situation, and live a more strategic, desirable, and encouraging life!