How to work through difficult times or negative patterns

A 6-point plan for working through difficult times or negative patterns

Get Support
Everyone needs cheerleaders. A bunch of them. Identify the people who are supportive and positive and are excited for your well-being and personal growth. No one comes to mind? Might be a good time to look at finding a therapist, spiritual community or support group to begin developing trusting relationships. Fake it 'til you make it. You might not believe that you can open up to new people and situations, showing up is the hardest part. Try suspending your beliefs for about 6 times before you decide whether it's a good fit for you.

Go Inward
Find ways to begin looking at yourself honestly and objectively, or maybe you just start with a 5-minute meditation a day or journaling a couple pages a day or a week. Baby steps, start small. You will find nuggets of gold in all the other stuff that might be dominating your mind and heart.

Share with others
Talk with your trusted cheerleaders; friends, healthy family members, your pastor, your therapist, share your burdens, big and small with those who are trustworthy. Finding out who is trustworthy takes time, start with little things and work your way to the bigger, more charged issues.

Practice Acceptance & Gratitude
Again, fake it 'til you make it here. You might not feel like being grateful for anything. Start small and list daily 10 things you are grateful for. If you are reading this, you probably already have 10 major things that you aren't even aware of; you can breathe on your own, you can see, you are able to afford a way to be on the internet, be it through your own setup at home or whatever mobility brought you to a public space, keep going, keep it simple!

Breathe
Once you are able to practice a few of these acceptance and support techniques, it's time to start bringing that inward, into your own body. Breathe into your belly, deep and full for 10 breaths a day. Take your time and enjoy the little space of time you are carving out to breathe just 10 full, deep breaths.

Practice Self-Care
Self-Care is imperative if you are going to make positive life-changes. Again, keep it small and manageable. Eating something a little healthier than normal, drinking more water, taking a walk, start with accessible actions that add up.