Have you ever felt sucker-punched by life?

Have you found yourself saying things like, “How much more do you plan to throw at me? “How much more do you think I can take?” or “Why did that “hit” just come out of nowhere?” Or maybe you've felt backed into a corner and that life was beating the crap out of you.

I’ve experienced this many times, but especially over the past few weeks. It’s insane what’s been thrown at me. At one point I wondered if my entire life was imploding. It’s never fun to get sucker-punched, but when life hits you with 4 in a row, it makes you start to question things.

With the first two, I was angry, panicking, and felt incredulous. With the other two then added on, I let the Universe know in no uncertain terms that I felt like its personal piñata. I felt defeated, hopeless, and helpless, and that really pissed me off.

Someone close to me is undergoing their own major sucker-punch. I found myself telling him, “When life throws you a punch, don’t throw in the towel, figure out how you’re going to “punch” back.” I realized that message was as much for me as it was for him.

I’ve learned to “defend” myself by taking a step back, allowing myself to feel the feels, and trying to calm my nervous system by taking deep breaths and going for walks outdoors - even in below freezing temps.

I go through the why me’s, this isn’t fair, and WTH?! Then, I look for a solution.

I reach out to people I trust to share where I’m at and where I'm struggling. I train my brain to take it one step at a time instead of letting the entirety of the situation overwhelm me. That’s not to say it always works, but it reminds me that where I have control are the ways I respond and the steps I take.

If you feel like you’ve had the air knocked out of you, just know that it’s o.k. to take time to acknowledge what happened, to regroup, and to take things one step at a time while also reaching out for support. You don’t have to let life K.O. you. You’re a much stronger fighter than you imagine.

Heart Hugs, Adrienne :)