LOOKING FORWARD IN THE FACE OF REALITY
Practicing optimism with reality in mind helps us keep moving forward.
Struggles in life are inevitable, yet they present a learning opportunity if we can reframe our perspective through a more optimistic lens.
While the age-old advice of 'think positive' offers a starting point, truly experiencing more optimism in our lives requires a deeper understanding. Instead, it’s about knowing that it’s OK to embrace the power of that little word ‘and’ – and recognize that highs and lows can coexist. With 79% of parents saying they felt unsupported in learning how to instill positive thinking in their children [1], it’s crucial to instill optimism that’s rooted in reality.
The following practices can help you move forward – even during challenging times – and see hope ahead.
REFERENCE — [1] ROC skincare BRAND PURPOSE QUANTITATIVE STUDY (US, 300 RESPONDENTS, JULY 2023)
6 WAYS
to Look Forward Amid Challenges
Here are a few ways to move through challenges while maintaining a healthy mindset.
01
Embrace Self-Compassion
Recognize and affirm your feelings, and give yourself time and space to grieve. Your feelings are valid, and you deserve to be cared for, too. Treat yourself with the same gentleness and understanding you would offer a loved one. It’s natural to feel a range of emotions, so give yourself grace as you navigate your path forward.
02
Seek Out Stories of Resilience
Find inspiration in the stories others share where they’ve faced similar adversity and emerged with newfound wisdom. Our stories are a powerful reminder of what’s possible in challenging phases, which can often lead to growth and a deeper bond with both ourselves and those we care about.
03
Connect With Your Circle
Engaging in heartfelt conversations, joining groups or communities, or sharing your journey to find shared solutions through collective wisdom is powerful. There is so much magic found in leaning on friends, family and community who have the capacity to hold space for you during tough times.
04
Set Mini Goals
The power of progress – even mini but mighty – is real. Breaking down large tasks into manageable pieces and just focusing on the next ‘right thing’ for your journey allows you to celebrate the tiny wins along the way that truly matter as they add up. These small steps forward can provide us with a sense of accomplishment and direction that bolsters hope and optimism for the future.
05
Prioritize Self-Care
Implementing daily mindfulness practices and making the time to recharge and reflect a priority can help maintain healthy mindsets as we look forward – helping us see the light at the end of the challenging tunnel we may be walking through. Adding these mental and physical well-being practices that help soothe the nervous system to a calendar can help us work through stressful, overwhelming situations with a clearer mind.
06
Visualize a Hopeful Tomorrow
Take time to visualize a brighter future for yourself and your family, and hold onto hope. By planting the seeds of hope in our minds, we can help prepare the ground for a more optimistic future and forward-looking perspective – even amidst adversity. VIsion board the dreams you want to pave a path towards, not only for your own future, but for your future generations, too.
Do you need urgent help & someone to talk to?
Call National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988
Text Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
