Hey there, my name is Sharla and if you're like me, you've been through your fair share of hard times. Times, where it feels like everything is against you and all hope, is lost. But I've learned that there's one thing we MUST do during these tough times if we want to make it through. And in this video, I'm going to share that with you.

So, what is this one thing we MUST do when life gets tough?

Consistently showing up for yourself, authentically.

This means being there for yourself, emotionally and mentally, even when it's tough.

It means being honest with yourself about how you're feeling and what you need. It means giving yourself the support and care that you need to get through this tough time.

So how do we show up for ourselves authentically?

There are a few key things that we can do:

1. Don't give up: This is probably the most important thing on this list. When things get tough, it can be tempting to just throw in the towel and give up altogether. But if you want to make it through, you have to keep going. Remember why you're doing this and what you're fighting for. Take it one day at a time and don't give up.

2. Lean on your support system: This is the second most important thing. When things get tough, it's important to lean on the people who care about you. These could be friends, family, or even professionals. Let them know what you're going through and let them help you. You don't have to go through this alone.

3. Take some time for yourself: This is also crucial. When things are tough, it's easy to forget about taking care of yourself. But if you want to make it through, you need to focus on your own wellbeing. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, and taking some time to relax every day.

4. Get creative: This one might seem odd, but bear with me. When things are tough, it can be helpful to get creative. Whether that means painting, writing, or just doodling, letting your creativity out can help you process what you're going through and can be a form of self-care. This can help us see things from a different perspective and come up with new solutions.

5. Neutralize Those Thoughts: It's easy to let negative thoughts take over when things are tough, trapping ourselves in the endless cycle of ruminating over the difficulties. I'm not going to tell you "stay positive!", because that can get toxic real quick. Instead, ask yourself what the evidence says, and then neutralize or externalize the thought. This can sound like, "The thought is saying that everything is going to be awful because of ____. The evidence for this thought says ______. The evidence against this thought says _____" This is easier said than done, but it could help to experiment with this.

6. Remember that things will get better: Pushing the thoughts and feelings away will not make it any better. And here's a truth for you to file away... when experiences we label as bad happen or our mood dips down, remember that this is only temporary and that things will eventually get better. Every emotion is like a wave in the ocean. They come, and then they go... that is something we can expect to continue occurring. Sometimes the waves are big and scary, and sometimes they are slow and gentle.

7. Don't be afraid to ask for help: Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help when things are tough. Whether that means asking for help from friends and family or professionals, getting the help you need can make a world of difference. Asking for help shows strength and courage. It's okay to ask for help when we're struggling. This could be therapy, medication, or anything else that could help you get through this tough time.

So, there you have it, the one thing you MUST do when life gets tough--show up as authentically you.

How do you do that? Don't give up, take some time for yourself, get creative, stay positive, remember that things will eventually get better, and lean on your support system. Thanks for watching!