Seek To Be Wise

We can learn so much from one another if we just take the time to listen. That’s why we’ll be featuring blogs written by our strategic partners over at Sawyer Media Group. This month’s blog is from Project Manager and Business Development, Susie Sartain. We hope you’ll take the time to seek wisdom with Susie by reading the blog below. 

– Chess

Hard times are inevitable in life. Facing a health crisis, losing someone you love, struggling financially, or working on your relationships – these are all unavoidable parts of life for most people. 

Like many, I’ve experienced significant loss over the last few years. Here are just a few things that I’ve learned about life, grief, and carrying on through tough times.

Lean on your people. You know the saying, “it takes a village.” Well, it doesn’t just apply to raising kids. Growing up in the south, one of the things I’ve always been amazed by is our sense of community – especially in times of trouble. I’ve also been blessed in life with really wonderful friends who I consider family.  If you’re going through a hard time, I can’t encourage you enough to lean on your support system, whether that is your community, church family, friends, and so on. Chances are, there are plenty of people in your life who want to be there for you and watch you thrive – let them!

Do good. “All of us want to do well. But if we do not do good, too, then doing well will never be enough,” – Anna Quindlen

Not only is it the right thing to do, but doing good is actually good for you. It gives you something else to focus on other than your own problems, decreases stress, leads to more happiness, and is generally beneficial for our mental health. You don’t have to donate large sums of time or money to do good in your community or in the world. It can be as simple as sending an encouraging note to a friend. Start small and find something you are passionate about. I promise, the reward gained by doing good, in whatever way you can, will help you gain perspective and gratitude for life – something we could all use during times of struggle.

Reframe your perspective. This is something that I am continuously working on, and I won’t lie, it can be pretty difficult. Change your perspective, change your mindset, right?  Instead of thinking “why did my dad have to die so young?” I try to instead think “I was so lucky to have him in my life for as long as I did.” It’s not meant to invalidate big feelings, but taking a different approach and looking at things in a new light can help you grow and move forward.  

We can’t always avoid struggle, but we can try to seek wisdom from the challenges that life throws at us. The next time you find yourself in a difficult situation, I encourage you to try out one of the above tips and see if it helps you gain wisdom and clarity.