Story

Good morning! I'm rather excited about this Spotlight release. I've been going through a bit of a tough time in my personal life lately, so this Strap has really been speaking to me.

Whenever we're battling something, what is one thing someone always tells us?

"You'll get through this."

I prefer that sentiment much more than "you'll get over it."

The reason being? I don't really know if anyone can ever "get over" something. Not truly, I mean. There are things from my past that I've claimed to have "gotten over," yet they still pop up in my memory and elicit feelings of sadness.

On the flip side, though, going through something difficult usually forces us to actually face issues head-on and process them.

As tough as it is to actually confront painful moments, we often experience incredible growth during that time that will help us encounter future issues with a stronger mindset. We build resilience, understanding, and usually find acceptance to be easier once we take our time to cope with the situation.

In fact, about 70% of us experience positive psychological growth from those periods, where we gain a better appreciation of life and of ourselves.

It's much easier said than done, though, isn't it?

To appreciate some of the hardest moments of our lives?

Well, if you're one of these people going through something, and you don't want to just get over it, let's explore ways to make things a little easier for you.

Getting Through the Tough Times

While we may want to just get over things and move on, it will benefit us more to process things sooner rather than later. Some things have a tendency to come up again in the future, right? Wouldn't you be relieved to approach those times with a calmer state of mind than being blindsided by bad memories?

Here are some tips to do that:

Practice Acceptance

When we fight the truth, we're bound to lose, which makes things much harder for our mental states, our emotional states, and our ability to heal.

Instead, by accepting that change is simply a part of life, we're more likely to focus on things that we can control rather than worrying about things that we can't.

Exercise 1: Make a list of things outside of your control and release your personal obligation to worry about them. Next to them, write down what you can control and make the conscious choice to pursue doing those in place of your worries.

For example: if you're worried about getting hired at a company, write down "Being hired" in your worry column, accept you don't have control over whether or not you get the job, but next to it, write what you can control: "Doing your best in the interview."

Seek Support

I have a close friend who tends to shut off the world when he's going through tough times. If this is how you handle those situations, that's an okay way to process things. We each have our own way of dealing with our lives but do know that support exists around you.

You can turn to friends, family, or medical professionals when you're ready. Most times, without even realizing it, time with loved ones is very healing. You don't even have to talk about the specific struggle you're having and just sit and enjoy being in the presence of someone who cares about you.

Friends and family might not have all the answers to the questions you seek, but their being willing to listen may be enough.

Exercise 2: If you're ready to reach out for support, try letting a trusted individual know how you handle situations, how you prefer to receive support (if you want to vent without a solution and just need understanding, let them know; if you need a solution and want their raw opinion, let them know), and be in their presence without distractions. Don't be afraid to let your guard down, but do so as long as you're comfortable with it.

Take Care of Yourself

Along the way of getting through hard times, it's important we check in on ourselves as well. Little personal check-ins are never a bad idea.

If you've been thinking too much about something, try distracting yourself by treating yourself to a date night with someone special... aka: you. Maybe draw a bath and listen to your favorite music or go on a run to release your thoughts. Get plenty of rest and make sure you're eating well and drinking water. It may sound like a "duh" reminder, but sometimes we lose track of ourselves in the difficulties.

Exercise 3: Do what makes you happiest.

(May I suggest lighting a candle, making a cup of tea, and reading a book? I can recommend a few good ones 😉)

I know it's hard right now, but I promise things will get better. I'm so proud of the progress you've made. If no one has told you lately: you are so special. Keep fighting 💞

Here's a note from our Spotlight artist, Dee Thomas:

Hi! My name is Dee, the designer of ‘The Only Way Out Is Through’. I was married in 2003, very quickly realized my heart, soul, & mind were not into it. After a rough six years of emotional, mental, and physical abuse, the short (but long) marriage ended in divorce. Alanis Morissette released a song titled “Out Is Through” in 2004. Although the lyrics take on different meanings to different listeners, it was, at times, a beacon for me. That one line … the only way out is through. Robert Frost also uses this line in his poem “Servant to Servant” … [Some problems are insoluble. Some situations are a struggle through a dark forest where there is no path and no light to guide you. And the only way out is through.]

Fast forward to a big career change in 2017, then becoming very close friends to my boyfriend’s sister (who introduced me to ZOX and whom I call ‘sister’), and most recently a pandemic and an even bigger career change in 2020 … here we are.Those words are still there … and still true. The only way out, is through. There are hard times, and even harder times – and you push and fight through to a new and stronger you on the other side.

Be bold,

Landri

Artist

Dee Thomas

The Only Way Out is Through

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