There is no doubt that present times are difficult for a lot of people. The recession bites hard as money appears to be in lesser circulation, people lose their jobs and life seems to be about the mundane things rather than the exciting things.

We all hit hard times throughout periods of our lives but it is how we handle them that will determine the quality of life once we come out of the darkness of the tunnel. It is our reaction to our troubles that will determine the length of these stressful periods.

It is understandable that we wish that difficult times didn't have to happen. We have this longing for the emotional pain that we are experiencing from bad events would just disappear; that some enjoyable occurrence could have happened instead.

Nobody likes to suffer, feel insecure or even incapable. Yet these bad times can and should be viewed from a different perspective. This is an opportunity to release our real potential which would otherwise have never been reached. Difficult times are opportunities for those of us who choose to see the positive side of life.

Insecurity is a horrible feeling but it is the catalyst that drives us on to security. Fear can ruin our lives but it is the one emotion that can motivate us to become brave. During times of struggle we are faced with two stark choices; we give in to negative thinking and watch our lives snow ball steadily out of control or we can motivate ourselves to create a better life.

Human beings are generally motivated by reward or pain avoidance. Therefore pain can be seen as the biggest driver towards change. Bad feelings are emotions generated from the mind not to disturb us, more to remind us that these feelings can be substituted by good feelings if we strive to make changes to our lives. We can be emotionally stronger and better people for the experience.

Some people will understand the message; others will continue to blame bad luck or even God.

By striving for change self confidence will grow. The more we are able to achieve, the more we prove we are capable of reaching our goals, the more our self confidence develops. Hard times can demonstrate our resilience; how strong we can become emotionally. Guiding ourselves wisely through difficult circumstances will give us faith in ourselves to face and conquer bigger problems should they arise.

How fantastic is that?

Terry Norrington

www.whatisthemeaningoffaith.com