A Great Idea …
“We will never have lives without challenges. We would probably be bored if we did! The surprise is that we have more control than we realize. We don’t have to give up. We can call on our resources and change the way we think about our challenges. When life gives us lemons, we can squeeze them and make lemonade, or lemon meringue pie, or frosted lemon cookies! What we do with our challenges is up to us.” (Family Life Professors, H. Wallace Goddard and James P. Marshall, in their publication, Managing Stress)
In Other Words …
When we face stressful situations we can view them as terrible events that tear us down or as opportunities to help us learn and grow. When we rally our resources and tune our thinking to positive possibilities, we turn our challenges into blessings.
How this Applies to You …
When challenges arise, take them as an opportunity. Inventory your resources and start looking for silver linings. Try it. This is a proven formula for dealing with stress.
To Find Out More …
For more great ideas (or to share your ideas), check out our Navigating Life’s Journey blog
For excellent (and free!) programs on improving your personal well being, check out Managing Stress and The Personal Journey at www.arfamilies.org.
For more information, we recommend The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky or Authentic Happiness by Martin E. P. Seligman.
