When adversity strikes it can have debilitating effects on a person’s life. It is a force to be reckoned with. It brings negative change that is out of our control. What most people don't realize is that they can control adversity by the way they react to it. You can use it to create positive growth and beauty or you can get stuck in it and wallow in depression and bitterness.

A few years ago I met a woman in the locker room at my exercise club. She was striking in her presence and beauty. I was drawn to her positive energy. After talking with her for a while, I learned that she had been struggling with cancer for many years and was undergoing another surgery in a few weeks. She told me that the doctors had given her months to live a few years ago and she felt blessed to have the gift of life. Although she was initially devastated about her prognosis, she forged forward to help other women who were also fighting for their life. She traveled all over the county as a motivational speaker on how to live with cancer.

That day I had some adversity that I was dealing with, but it was nothing in comparison to her struggle. I never saw her again but never forgot her. She is a classic example of a person who capitalized on adversity.

Over the years I have learned valuable tools that people use to fight adversity. A man told me that adversity is like going to battle. While he is in it, he carries inspirational quotes in his pocket to remind him that others have fought and won. I learned about how red lipstick helped a woman to portray positivity in her darkest moments. Many people told me that prayer gave them strength to overcome.

If you are struggling with adversity try to incorporate these strategies.

Take a step back and ask yourself what positivity you can cultivate

Pray and or meditate

Practice mindfulness

Journal

Use outcome and process visualization

Help others

Dress for success

Add positive activities into your life

Connect with positive people

Write gratitude lists

Lastly, the luckiest people in the world said that they found the silver lining in unfortunate events. Perhaps we all have luck if we know how to use it.

Call us at 732-263-7999 or visit our website at www.HackensackMeridianHealth.org/IntegrativeMedicine to find out more.