“No matter what happens today, I can handle it.” This is one of podcaster Mel Robbins’ 8 Things to Tell Yourself Every Morning.
But do you believe it? When you’re in the middle of a stressful situation, perhaps overwhelming feelings creep in and whisper, “You’re not up to this challenge.”
I believe you can handle whatever life throws your way. And do you know why? Because you’ve done it before. All of us have lived through life’s triumphs . . . and crash outs. Each time you encountered a challenge, you dealt with it. And you got through it. Maybe you handled it brilliantly. Or maybe not. Maybe you learned from it, maybe you didn’t. Yet each experience added another thread to the fabric of your life, weaving together the person you are today.
You’ve been writing the story of your life since the day you were born. Resilience isn’t only about “bouncing back.” It’s also about giving yourself credit for what you’ve endured—and how you’ve come through it before. That’s why Mel’s suggestion is so powerful: when you remind yourself of past challenges, you hold proof that you can handle what’s ahead.
As a guided life story facilitator, I see an additional element: narrative. Have you ever thought about your life’s story arc? It’s there—even if you’ve never put words to it. Recognizing your history of tackling challenges is part of shaping your life story.
So take a moment to look back: the highs and the lows, the peaks and the valleys. What do they tell you about the person you are today? And who might you become tomorrow if you told yourself, “I can handle whatever comes my way”?
I know every word you’ve said is true. It’s hard to go through those times when “difficult” is more of a scrape than a wound. But those times when traumatic is a better description, those are the times to remember that you will get through this. I have had plenty of each over my lifetime.
My sister died in January and I am still dealing with waves of grief. Last week my brother died. Even though I will see them again and they are with my parents, grief is real. I will get through this, but these are not just wounds, they are trauma.
Jane, I’m so sorry to read of the passing of your sister and brother. You are in my thoughts. Sending hugs.