{"id":5688,"date":"2021-08-20T07:15:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-20T12:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/?p=5688"},"modified":"2021-09-26T14:06:42","modified_gmt":"2021-09-26T19:06:42","slug":"stumbling-blocks-or-stepping-stones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/rebuild-csbh-sit\/stumbling-blocks-or-stepping-stones\/","title":{"rendered":"Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones? How to Grow From Your Difficulties"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Stumbling<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Stumbling blocks are a natural part of life. Some people struggle with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety that feel crippling at times. Others have to deal with the pain of a chronic condition or illness. Even sudden or unexpected life changes can cause you to stumble. Whether it\u2019s a divorce, job loss, or the death of someone you love, there are likely going to be things that make you feel stunted or blocked from your original path.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, it\u2019s far too easy to get lost in those difficulties. In an effort to understand how and why it has happened, it is easy to start viewing them as failures. When you look at those difficult things that way, those stumbling blocks can feel like boulders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, why not view them as stepping stones, instead? <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What does that mean, exactly, and how can you grow from your difficulties instead of letting them hold you back? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn About Yourself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Think about the things that really \u201cknock you down\u201d in life. Do some things seem to hit harder than others?  That\u2019s usually because your emotions respond differently to various situations. You might consider it a stumbling block when a project isn\u2019t \u201cperfect\u201d or when a friend doesn\u2019t invite you to a get-together. Someone else in those same situations might not care at all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"stumbling<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Instead of considering those things harsh difficulties, think about what your responses say about you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if you feel like a failure when something isn\u2019t perfect, your perfectionism could be causing you to develop unrealistic expectations. As a result, you\u2019re more likely to be let down by little things. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a hard time with rejection or struggle with the fear of missing out, take a look at your past. Have you been in unhealthy relationships or friendships before? What was your family life like? Many stumbling blocks come from deeper-issues. Understanding those problems and addressing them can help to make those difficult situations much easier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, even if your struggle isn’t due to a past “trauma” or a deep-rooted issue, our pain can often remind us of what matters to us most, and this can be quite helpful! Perhaps your sensitivity to being left out is more about placing a high value on interpersonal relationships, and that you work hard to make sure others feel included. So if you are left out of important activities, it goes against something you highly value. Is your frustration with in “imperfect” project about a fear of being criticized, or perhaps a desire to be seen as hard working and a valuable member of the team, or because you value striving for excellence no matter what others think about it? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pause and consider what your current pain point might be alerting you to. It can be an opportunity to recalibrate your compass towards what matters to you most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

React in a Positive Way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can\u2019t control every situation in life. You also can\u2019t control the initial wave of emotions you feel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you can control is the way you respond to those difficulties and emotions. When you recognize some of the things that cause you to stumble, try to change your negative reaction into a positive one. You can do that through things like: <\/p>\n\n\n\n