Survivor Guides

Every experience in life, whether positive or negative, is a learning experience. We are all born as an open book with the pages to be filled in with life experiences. No one is perfect. People make mistakes and go through situations we can control and others that are beyond our control. But maximizing your strengths and developing sound strategies can carry you through the toughest of times.

Positive Thinking

Use positive thinking to set up strategies for coping. Positive thinking supports simplifying one’s life, persevering through difficult times, prioritizing responsibilities and, networking for information, support and socialization.

Since the beginning of time, people have been thrown off the normal course of life by some type of difficulty, distraction, dilemma or devastation.  Positive thinking sees difficulty as a problem to manage; sees distraction as a way to refocus; sees dilemma as a problem to solve; and, sees devastation as a new way to deal with responsibilities. These behaviors get people back on course and have certain objectives in common. First, understand the reality of the situation. Secondly, know what you can control and can make a difference with. Finally, think of the outcome you want and make a list of the ways to reach your goal.

Perseverance

The reason we do the daily things we do in our lives is to meet our essential needs. All people have basic needs in their lives like safety, security, etc. Meeting those needs help us establish a sense of self, with purpose and direction.

Sometimes with change, we take on different roles and responsibilities. Navigating these new conditions takes patience and persistence. We strive to live as “normally” as possible to meet those essential needs at every stage of change. People are greatly empowered by their efforts and tenacity and they persevere. The results of their endeavors often lead to a higher level of confidence, self esteem, and achievement of their pursued goals.

Networking (information gathering)

            Networking is one of the most effective information gathering techniques of this decade.  Facts and opinions are presented which make our decisions more informed and hence, more effective. Networking also provides opportunities for encouragement, celebration, sound boarding, and being, perhaps, a member of a virtual family in cyberspace to name a few.

Sharing

Some experiences can cast upon us a lonely shadow at the beginning. Take time to understand the reality of the situation. Joining, associating and relating to others with similar experiences can be informative, reassuring, supportive and therapeutic. One can see the popularity of support groups and appreciate its effectiveness in making one feel engaged in something personally worthwhile.

Setting Personal Goals

            People often set short term and long term goals for themselves which support personal accomplishments. This in turn builds self esteem and self confidence. This effort should be realistic and should offer pleasurable returns at varying defining moments.

Looking at the Larger Picture

            Most people experience some type of frustration on a daily basis. By stepping back and viewing the scope of things, you often get an overview that can be more positive.

Writing & other Expressive Forms

Expressing your feelings in writing, painting, or in any other artistic style is an excellent coping strategy as well as healing factor for people. It can help reduce stress and decrease impediments to body healing by releasing emotions that reflect on your innermost thoughts and insight.