How to Deal with Disappointments in Life: 4 Simple Steps

Disappointments are inevitable in life. Losing a business deal, a relationship ending or a friendship falling apart can leave you feeling sour and heartbroken. In such moments, it’s easy to lose hope and feel lost. However, there are steps you can take to pick yourself up and move on. Here are four simple steps to deal with disappointments in life:

1. Release the Pain

It’s okay to feel down and cry your heart out. Don’t try to be strong all the time or force yourself to look at the bright side. Instead, let out all your sadness, anger, and frustrations. Cry as loud as you need and scream if you want to. Don’t hold back anything. This way, you release all the negative energy and make room for positivity. As Shannon Hale once said, “Unhappiness can’t stick in a person’s soul when it’s slick with tears.”

2. Gain Some Support

Once you’ve released the pain, your heart may feel empty. Seek comfort from family, friends or pets. If you’re alone, hug your pillow or take a warm bath. You don’t need advice at this moment. Just seek some love and support. Make yourself feel better first before settling anything. As Orin once said, “Detach from needing to have things work out a certain way. The universe is perfect, and there are no failures. Give yourself the gift of detaching from your worries and trust that everything is happening perfectly.”

3. Clear Your Mind

Take a walk and look at nature, or pack your bags and travel. Release yourself from all expectations and let yourself breathe, relax, and calm down. All you need at this moment is time and space to let things settle down naturally. Remember not to blame or judge anyone, especially yourself. Instead, be kind to yourself and heal. As Anne Frank once said, “The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature, and God.”

4. Face Your Problems

Feeling better? Then, it’s time to face your problems. Write down your feelings or make a mind map. The purpose is to get a fresh view of the big picture. Find out what made you feel frustrated, what you expected, why it didn’t work out, and if it’s as bad as you think. Also, ask yourself if there’s anything you can do to fix it and what steps you need to take. If you can resolve the situation, act immediately. If it’s out of your control, let it go and move on. Remember to believe that you tried your best, and take Tryon Edward’s quote to heart: “Right actions in the future are the best apologies for bad actions in the past.”

Conclusion

Life doesn’t always grant our wishes, and things don’t always turn out the way we want them to. But, everything happens for a reason – a good reason. Disappointments help us grow stronger, wiser and view things from different angles. They shape us to become better versions of ourselves. So, stand tall, dust yourself off, and embrace new days with hope. Remember that every cloud has a silver lining, and better things are yet to come.