Article 165 - Hard Times in Life

Unique and individual interpretation of difficult and challenging times in life and how we deal with them

How would one define “hard times” in his or her personal life? Is there a such thing as general definition of hard time that many encounter at some point in our lives and standard way to react and interpret situation when one reaches a point in his or her life where extremely tough decision must be made? I believe, based on my personal experience, that how each of us defines “hard time” in life and how one goes about addressing each individual situation differs from person to person. I think that there’s no standard approach when it comes to defining challenges and difficult times that we all encounter. We are all different and, therefore, react to and respond to a particular challenge in our life, especially when it’s very personal and sensitive situation that we may be facing.

Sure, some of us are much more open to share our personal life with others looking for support, help, or to simply share our thoughts and concerns with someone else who is willing to listen, regardless whether they are able to help to find a solution in the tough situation that we may be dealing with.
However, there are also those of us who prefer to keep their personal life and their problems and difficulties to themselves. These individuals would typically try to handle everything on their own, regardless how challenging the situation may be. Sure, they may now know the answer or have a solution to the problem they or someone they know are facing, however, they will do everything that they can to deal with tough situation and would do so without giving any signs of struggle to those around them. On the surface, they would typically remain cool and composed, fun, and ready to tackle any project or task that they may be presented with, however, deep inside there would typically be a whole lot going on. Inside they are facing very tough questions that they are expected to know answers to and have a plan of action on addressing or dealing with challenges being faced.

So, why am I telling you this? Because, I feel that it’s very important to remember that someone you may be interaction with on the daily basis, someone you may know or had just met for the first time may be dealing with some tough situation(s) in his or her personal life, and be respectful of their personal space, unique personality, and approach to analyzing and dealing with problems and challenges encountered. I do believe that it is very important to offer your help to someone who you suspect or know to be going through challenging times, but without forcing your help on them. You will know that someone prefers to deal with their personal problems on their own without sharing them with the rest of the world, because, they will make it known that by expressing to you that they do not want to discuss their personal life or situation, and will make also know that if assistance or support is needed, they will ask for such support. On the other hand, if someone is ready and willing to share their problems and challenges, you wouldn’t need to ask, because, they will tell you that that without being prompted, just be ready to listen and help, if you can.

So, please remember that everyone has their own individual definition of life’s “hard times,” and how they prefer to deal with challenges that they may be facing. Offer help and assistance when appropriate, but do not force your help and support on others if they give a clear indication that it’s personal matter and they are not open to sharing or discussing it with others. Be respectful of peoples’ personal space but be ready to step in and help where appropriate, when possible.

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I hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as I enjoyed writing it, and hope that you found it to be very useful for you or someone else that you may know. Please feel free to share this post if you know someone who may benefit from reading it same way you did