{Monday Motivation} When Things Don't Happen as Planned

These past few weeks have not been easy.  Don and I have been experiencing challenges as a married couple and as parents.  Also, a lot of our plans are tossed to our virtual "parking lot".  To make the long story short,  not everything is going as planned.

My desk calendar and that pink sticky note reminder

 I can't help but feel frustrated and sad.  Here's what I have been doing to feel better:

1. Remind myself that everything happens for a reason, in accordance with God's plan for us.  "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)


2. I call my close friends and ask for encouragement.  Or sometimes, just being with them makes me feel better.


3. I call on happiness!  Yes, my ever-reliable happy thoughts.  I think about my blessings.  I think about Don and Julia, the beach, Davao, Razon's halo-halo, all things pink, anything that will put a smile on my face and make me happy.


4. I stay away from "Negatrons" (people who emit negative energies).  Seriously.  I stay away from them.  I already feel bad, why will I talk to people who will make me feel worse?


5. Pray.  Talk to God.  "This is the confidence we have in approaching God:  that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him." (1 John:14-15)


6. Pray.  Listen to God.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

How about you? What do you do to cope with disappointments?  What tips can you share in handling situations when things don't happen as planned?