Fucking Pull Yourself Together

In my depressed state, I opened up my company’s newsletter to find an article on employee assistance consulting.

When Life Throws a Curve

While we can’t change the past or control events, we can choose how to respond to life. The best choices are based on our core values. Even in the midst of pain and shock, we can take steps to clear the mind and stay true to our principles.

“Cancer was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

With this startling statement, Lance Armstrong asserts that his experience with cancer brought a focus and intensity to life that he might never have experienced otherwise. This led, among other things, to seven Tour de France victories. Experiencing adversity is less important than what you choose to do next.

What to Do

1. Allow yourself to experience your initial reaction, whatever it is, without acting on your initial impulses.

2. Accept what’s happened, to the best of your ability. Accepting a new reality may be challenging, but it’s the only way to free up your personal resources to take effective action.

3. Review your core values and key goals. Consider the following questions:
– What are the most important things in my life and how does this event affect them?
– What are my options for this situation and the likely outcome for each one?
– Which course of action would best express my personal values?
– What help do I need to cope with my emotions?
– What other help do I need?

4. Use the answers to these questions to guide your actions. Focus on the things you can actually have an impact on.

5. Get the help you need. Gather your support network and ask for help.