Sometimes life happens in unexpected, unwanted, horrific, and mentally-exhausting ways. I know we think that we are well-equipped to handle life when things are going good. However, when things lately turned south for me, I had to draw from my other life experiences to remind myself that everything is going to be OKAY.
At first, when my social circle was collapsing and mean things were being said from the ones I loved, I felt crazy because I thought I needed to control it all. The weather here in Colorado even seemed to be turning against me with nasty rain, snow, and dark clouds.
However, the yogi in me kept me sane (and my new organic cotton skirted leggings from Soul Flower!), while the backpacking traveler in me kept me smart and optimistic. If I didn’t have the tools that a life of yoga and travel has awarded me, my rough patch in life right now would be a lot more rough. Learn how I’m navigating life’s rugged terrain.
Things Don’t Go as Planned or Desired
You miss the train. You have to hike five more miles in the rain. You leave your map at that cute little coffee shop. Shit. Happens. Travel forces you to accept your fate. It’s hard to handle the fact that your plans aren’t going as planned, but you must handle it all the same for the sake of your amazing trip. Imagine life as just one incredible trip. Why waste one more day staying upset when you have so much more to live for?
Life Takes Practice Too
When a body first starts yoga, it is stiff, weak, and seen as imperfect. However, after years and decades of devoted practice, flexibility comes and the body finds strength. My yoga journey has forced me to accept that I’m only going to accomplish a physical and mental yoga goal by practice. I most likely don’t succeed on a difficult pose the first time I attempt it, or even the 100th time I attempt it. Life is the same way. Difficult scenarios we face in life are hard. However, approach life like a yoga practice by acknowledging that you are slowly gaining more understanding as you continue to face tough positions. After enough practice, tough situations won’t seem so tough anymore. You will be able to effortlessly enter and exit the difficult pose with grace.
Move On and Out
As a backpacker, some of the most nerve-racking scenarios can come up, especially if you find yourself stranded without a place to stay for the night. The worst thing you can do is have a ‘freak out’ moment. You shouldn’t waste time doing that because you have to run to the bus stop two miles away to catch the last bus out of town. Quick thinking and holding off on some initial emotional reactions can save your life and your sanity. If you have been shaken by an event in your life, stop the pity party. Think on what your next step should be toward your own personal success. Tackle this incredibly awful situation by remaining calm and being smart.
Remain Dedicated to What You Love
Sometimes the best thing to do when things seem impossible is to continue to move on with our normal daily lives. I like to know that no matter what happens in my life that I still have my yoga practice. I know things might be a disaster right now but remember that you deserve to be happy. Don’t let others destroy your happiness. By nourishing yourself and focusing on what is pertinent to you, you don’t let the bullies win.
Whether you are going through a divorce, discovered a lover’s dirty secret, or simply didn’t get into the college you dreamed of, just remember that you are still in control of your life and your mood. Tough situations seem difficult because it is a change. It is hard to see the good when the bad is so bad, but give it time. Sometimes life’s difficulties can be a blessing in disguise.
Madison wore the Olive Organic Cotton Skirted Leggings
Katrina
May 13, 2016 at 10:58 am (9 years ago)Your post and your photos are awesome, Madison! Thank you for sharing your wisdom!