“Everyone Has a Plan Until They Get Punched in the Mouth”
Thank you for checking out this week’s undoing toxic blog
“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” -boxer Mike Tyson
This month on Instagram (@therapywitmo), I have been focused on the question “what are we going to do?”
Often times, when people make the step to begin therapy, they have been struggling with their issue for quite some time. This can be individuals, and in the case of couples and families, it can be even more complicated because you need everyone to be mostly on the same page about therapy. It is hard to engage people to participate if they do not find it worth their time to attend therapy.
What are you going do? Has life ever caught you by surprise? I know I have been. Sometimes it can be grief, disappointment, sadness, etc. You had a plan in your mind but then something unexpected happened.
I heard this quote and it stuck with me for many reasons. It encapsulates the idea that no matter how well-prepared or confident someone may be, facing unexpected challenges or adversity can quickly change the situation. It emphasizes the importance of adaptability, resilience, and the ability to think on your feet in the face of unforeseen circumstances. In essence, it suggests that true strength lies in the ability to adjust and respond effectively when confronted with obstacles or setbacks.
Building resilience is an essential skill that can help you navigate through life's challenges with greater ease and effectiveness. Here are some strategies to help you channel resilience:
Develop a Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth rather than seeing them as threats. Cultivate a belief that you can learn from setbacks and that your abilities can improve over time.
Build Strong Social Connections: Maintain supportive relationships with friends, family, and mentors who can provide encouragement, advice, and assistance during difficult times.
Practice Self-Care: Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Cultivate Optimism: Focus on the positives in your life and maintain a hopeful outlook, even when facing adversity. Look for silver linings and opportunities for growth in challenging situations.
Develop Problem-Solving Skills: Learn to identify problems, brainstorm potential solutions, and take proactive steps to address them. Break larger challenges into smaller, more manageable tasks.
Adaptability: Be flexible and willing to adjust your plans and expectations as circumstances change. Recognize that setbacks are often temporary and that you have the ability to bounce back and adapt to new situations.
Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management: Engage in mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to help reduce stress and increase your ability to stay calm and focused during challenging times.
Seek Support When Needed: Don't hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. Whether it's talking to a trusted friend, seeking professional counseling, or joining a support group, reaching out to others can provide valuable assistance and perspective.
Learn From Failure: View failures as learning opportunities rather than as indications of personal inadequacy. Reflect on what went wrong, what you can learn from the experience, and how you can improve in the future.
Maintain Perspective: Keep things in perspective by reminding yourself of your strengths, past successes, and the progress you've made. Remember that setbacks are a natural part of life and that you have the ability to overcome them.
By incorporating these strategies into your life, you can develop greater resilience and better navigate through life's challenges with confidence and grace.
Disclaimer:
The intention for using social media for social workers and other mental health professionals is for marketing, education, advocacy, thought leadership, and providing content in a technologically changing field. We want to do this while making potential therapy-seekers aware of the risks and benefits of engagement on social media and Internet where mental health professionals are present. A therapeutic relationship is a professional relationship and in today's technological climate, a social media presence or following your therapist on social media is not to be confused with a relationship outside of therapy. Ethical, professional, and therapeutic boundaries must be followed and honored.
A counseling social media page or blog is not psychotherapy, a replacement for a therapeutic relationship, or substitute for mental health and medical care. A social media presence as a counseling professional is not seeking an endorsement, request, or rating from past or current clients. No social media posts or blog should be considered professional advice. The information contained in posts is general information for educational purposes only.
Be mindful of sharing personal details or details or others if you choose to comment.
Please consult your physician or mental health provider regarding advice or support for your health and wellbeing.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical and/or psychiatric mental health crisis and requires assistance, please call 911 emergency services.
988- National Suicide Prevention Hotline (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Safe Horizon 24-hour Hotlines (se habla español):
Domestic violence victims: 800-621-HOPE (4673)
Victims of crime and their families: 866-689-HELP (4357)