If there’s one thing I know to be true about this life on earth it’s that in this world, we will have trouble. Nobody is immune to it.

But while we can’t always control what happens to us in life, we CAN control our mindset, attitude, perspective, & our response to struggles.

Why is this important?? Because our mindset & thoughts directly impact our health and happiness. Negative thoughts & a discouraged outlook cause more stress, which negatively impacts our physical health, as well as our mental & emotional health.

On the other hand, positive thoughts & an encouraged mindset lowers our stress levels, and increases peace & joy in our lives. This is why it’s SO important to cultivate a positive perspective in the midst of life’s challenges. 😊

I’ve always been impressed with people who could thrive through the storms & struggles of life with optimism, courage, peace, & hope. It never came easy to me, and I’ve marveled many times when others seem to overcome adversity so effortlessly.

I’ve seen people go through unimaginable trials, and yet rather than crumble under the weight of it, they stay optimistic & hopeful throughout the struggles — and come out the other side even stronger.

Over the past few years, I’ve started to figure out how to improve my mindset & response to challenges. Believe me, I’m still a work in progress…🙃

But I’m learning to never underestimate the power of a positive mindset — and I’m starting to reap the rewards of a more joyful, peaceful, fulfilling, & healthy life because of it. ☺️

So how can you stay encouraged, full of hope, & overflowing with peace when the tough times come?  Here are 6 mindset shifts & tips that I’ve learned and that have been an incredible help to me during difficult seasons & stressful times:

1. Comparison kills contentment.

This is one of the biggest killers of joy & causes of stress for a lot of people.

Comparing yourself to someone else & wishing you were more like them or had what they have will ALWAYS result in negative feelings, like discontent, unworthiness, bitterness, resentment, anxiety, depression, & just feeling less-than.

But here’s the TRUTH: God created YOU 100% unique — and with a one-of-a-kind purpose! You’re not supposed to be just like that other person. Your purpose is different than (but just as special as) that other person’s. Your life is supposed to look different! God created you this way & has you in your current season for a reason. 💜

Not to mention that what we compare ourselves to is rarely the full story or the reality.  We tend to compare our “behind-the-scenes” (aka, all the icky stuff) to everyone else’s “highlight reel” (aka, whatever they want us to see on social media). In other words, we have no idea what struggles they’re going through or have endured.

Instead of comparing yourself to someone else, focus on becoming the best YOU & being the best steward of your gifts that you can be. Be grateful for everything you are & everything you have. (I’m preachin’ to myself here too, guys!) 🙃

And that leads perfectly into #2…

2. Gratitude is essential.

Be thankful for all the blessings you have — we all have a never-ending list of things to be grateful for!

But in addition to that, I’ve also started to learn how to be thankful throughout the storms & struggles (not just in the good times), and I’d challenge you to start thinking that way too.

And if you want to take it to an even higher level of gratitude, try to even be thankful FOR the struggles. I know that might sound a little cray-cray, but I’ve learned that the trials produce character, make me stronger, increase my faith & trust in God, and I know there’s a reason for each struggle. 😌

Which leads to me #3…

3. There’s a purpose for your pain.

That’s right, my friend!  Every challenge, every struggle, every season of hardship, every ounce of pain happens for a reason & a purpose.

This isn’t just some cliche — it’s the truth. And when you can grasp that truth deep in your soul, it gives you the courage to face adversity, knowing you’re never suffering for nothing.

For example, I know now that one of the reasons I suffered with horrible anxiety & panic attacks for 2 years of my life was so that I can now better relate to other people’s struggles, and so that I can help them heal naturally, just like I did (whether it’s from anxiety or other health issues).

Sometimes we see the purpose in pain; sometimes we see the purpose AFTER the struggle as we’re reminiscing; and still other times we may never know what the purpose of a certain trial was. But you can always take hope in the fact that your struggles have a specific purpose in God’s plan (even if you can’t see it).

4. You’re not alone.

Sometimes we can feel SO isolated when we’re dealing with a painful situation. It might feel like nobody understands what we’re going through, or like nobody has ever dealt with this exact scenario.

(I can’t count how many times my husband & I will look at each other & be like, “Are we the ONLY ones with these issues?! Like, what’s wrong with us??” 😆)

But the truth is, everybody has struggles, and everyone goes through tough seasons in life. It’s normal!

Take comfort in the fact that you’re never alone in your trials, and there’s always someone who has gone through or is currently going through a similar season as you are.

5. This too shall pass.

Sometimes in the midst of a storm, I just have to remind myself that “this too shall pass”! This level of pain & the intensity of this struggle — it won’t be like this forever! Seasons will always come & GO.

I also like to remember God’s faithfulness in the past — He’s gotten me through tough times before & He’s always provided, and I know He will again this time. 💜

6. Obedience is our responsibility; outcome is God’s responsibility.

This might be one of my favorite ones! As humans, we tend to worry so much about the outcome & the results of things — whether it’s regarding your career, your finances, reaching a health goal, or resolving a conflict in some area of your life.

Heck, we even experience this obsession with results to some degree when it comes to our favorite sports teams performing well (I mean, it’s kinda hard not to when you have such amazing teams to cheer for, like the Wisconsin Badgers & Green Bay Packers. 😉)

But seriously, this mindset shift has given me immense freedom, and it can for you too! When we stop worrying so much about the outcome & stop being so results-driven — and instead become more “result-less” & detach from the outcome — it leads to incredible peace.

All you can do is all you can do.  Do YOUR best & just do what God is calling you to do, and leave the results in His hands. You don’t have to bear that weight! 😌

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I hope these 6 things I’ve learned through life’s challenges will encourage you today! When you start creating a perspective of positivity by adopting these mindset shifts, you will absolutely increase your health, happiness, & peace — even in the midst of hard seasons & storms.

What positive perspectives & mindsets help YOU get through difficult times & seasons in life?  I’d love to hear your comments below!