DEVELOPING WINGS OF PATIENCE,PERSEVERANCE

Developing wings of patience, perseverance
By IRENE ROTH
We all wish that our daily struggles would go away. But when the going gets tough, many of us wish we could develop wings and just fly away from all of our trials and tribulations until things settle down and we can once again return to some semblance of peace and tranquility.

However, as most of us know, it doesn't usually quite work that way. Most of us go through periods of extreme hardship in our lives. And then, if we're lucky, we go through periods which are less trial-filled and we could just sit back and relax a bit more. However, what if we're like some people (hopefully a very few) who have constant trials to endure. What then? How can we build wings of patience and perseverance to help ourselves get through these times? Well, here are a few tips that can help us along.

1. Be patient. Sometimes our problems will go away if we take them one day at a time and try and focus on as much positive energy as possible. Psychologists say that what we focus on ends up growing. So, if we focus on only the negative aspects of our life, they will grow. If, on the other hand, we choose to stay positive even when trying times occur, we will probably feel better and be much better able to handle the difficulties that we are facing.

2. Practise perseverance as much as possible. It is always easy to give up and to say: It's over....I'm out of here! However, it is much harder to try and persevere amidst hardship. It is never easy to persevere, and the bigger our problem, the harder it can be to practise perseverance. However, perseverance is important so that we don't feel totally destroyed by a situation. If we are impatient, we will only be badgering ourselves and we'll feel increasingly out of control.

3. Try to make the best out of even the most difficult situations. It is never easy to hope for the best, much less to bring it about. But many times, a positive attitude can help substantially when we're in the middle of very difficult and trying times. You may even want to try taking a deep breath and saying a prayer. Sometimes standing back in this way can really help us to come to terms with a bad situation.

4. Try not to think that the worst case scenario will happen. Instead, prepare for some really good things to happen, even if we're not sure that they will. They just might. you never know. But if we think that the worst case will happen, guess what folks...the negative things will occur. It'll be hard in the beginning because it is easier for us to be negative than positive. But once we taste the positive effects of a positive overall attitude, our life will change for the better.

So, hard times will come folks. We have little control over most of those times. But we do have control over is our attitude and how we will handle the hard situations as they come into our lives. So, let's stay positive and hopeful. It will work wonders for all of us!

Irene Roth has a master's degree in philosophy from York University, Toronto, specializing in psychology, character development and ethics. She is currently working on her doctorate in philosophical psychology. She has over 200 published Ezine articles on all aspects of character development and self-esteem issues for teens and adults. She lives in Stratford with her husband.