How to get back up when you've been knocked off your feet.

I got some pretty disturbing news yesterday. The kind of game-changing information that catches you off-guard and creates feelings of fear, helplessness and shock. After sitting for a while with some yucky swirling emotions (and allowing myself to be there), I woke up this morning and reminded myself of what helps me find balance in these kinds of situations. Perhaps it can give you some relief too, if you're feeling knocked off your feet.

Many times, fear stems from the unknown. Your mind races with countless scenarios of what “could” be and how you will handle each of these possibilities. When I'm stuck in this space, I first try to get the facts. Gaining concrete information gives me a more realistic view of the situation, solid-footing and a stable foundation upon which I can build an action plan.

This can be an ongoing process as new things come to light. So the next step (which also becomes a continuous exercise) is The Big G—practicing gratitude. When I feel like I’m drowning and being pulled under the waves, recognizing what’s going right in my life acts as a raft for me to drape myself over and catch my breath.

Gratitude can anchor you to the shore when you feel like you’re being pulled out to sea. It helps me pull back the focus, become more objective and not be engulfed by the one big frustrating issue in front of me. It reduces my stress, which frees up energy for me to use in productive ways, on things that I want to grow and develop. 

Is this s quick-fix for your problem? No. But it can bring you back to center and give you quiet from the storm, especially if you come back to this again and again during tough times.