What happens when things don't go as plan? When conflict arises and when the unexpected scenario come to existent? Are you going to sit there and whine about it, or are you going to formulate a plan and do something about it?

When that happens, we can either (i) stay crestfallen or bellyache about it or (ii) figure out and take action. If we decide to do the former, then things are not going to change. They're going to be stagnant and the challenges will remain. If we have a choice to improve them and face our adversity, we should do so - because sooner or later, we will have to go through hardships. Conflicts are not going to disappear magically. In fact, not facing it soon will prolong feelings of negativity such as stress, unhappiness, anger, and as well as being in the state of constant anxiety.

Take a deep breath, assess the situation and formulate a plan that will help you to get through and over things effectively. Don't rush the process because we all go at a different pace to digest information, deal with things and to heal. "The sooner the better," we think. It is true, yes, the sooner the better - but the effectiveness of solutions matters even more than the speed in processing the resolution of things.

Remember, only you can help yourself because it's your life. You're in charge of your own life and you have the power to control your own thoughts. No one else can. Not your parents, siblings, best friends or even your partner. Sure, we can share our problems with them and they can give us advices or let us know their point of view in things but ultimately, the decision is in our hand. We decide what to do, the point of action we are taking in the course.

So child, do not be despair, but rather strengthen yourself because you can. Whining about things doesn't work. Doing something about it does. Don't rush through things though, dust your pants and pick yourself up from the ground, because you have the strength to do so. Although things may be rough, I believe you're able to do whatever you set your mind towards. Think about it, God will not allow things to happen to you unless he knows that you are able to grow from it and unless he entrust you with it. He knows that you are going to be alright because He is there for you, and because you are able. You're strong. You're capable enough.

So, get ready to stand up and fix yourself as you are growing. Don’t dwell in situations, instead rise up.

Slowly, in your own pace because small progress is still progress.

This time last year, everything was so different. I would have never imagined things to be better than I had expected.

This time last year, I got homesick so often and had the strong urge to return home, to Penang. I booked air ticket back home but hesitated on leaving because I had just started to enjoy my time in Singapore. Little did I know, staying in my comfort zone didn't help me very much. Mundaneness maddened my soul. I vowed to never stop being adventurous and learn in life.

This time last year, I wasn't sure of what I wanted to do in life, which direction I was heading to, and wasn't as motivated as I am today. I was confused of my situation, of why I was where I was, and of my own sense of direction in life. My grades weren't as good and I wasn't able to manage my time well. Contrary to that however, my results have improved significantly this semester. I've discovered my goal and am focusing on achieving that. 

This time last year, you weren't in my life and I'm glad I saved myself for you. I'm glad I didn't settle for anyone else and waited for your presence. Having you in my life is such a blessing. You said your wish is to make me happy but you're my happiness. You are, and you will always be.

This time last year, my thoughts weren't as mature as it is today. It's a fact that we are all constantly growing and I've evolved through all the though situations. It's amazing how fast I've been maturing by moving out and coming overseas alone. I'm growing, and I'm embracing independence.

There will be days when you want to just throw in the towel and give up. There will be days when nothing makes sense anymore and you feel like happiness won’t show its face to you any time soon. There will be days of stiff necks and no sleep and sore muscles. People will be cruel. Food will go bad. You will feel like the world is out to get you. 

But then spring arrives. Something big blooms in your chest. Sparrows sing to you and the air suddenly is clearer. You fall in love. You will grow a garden. Good things will start to come to you, beautiful people will find you. Remember those good things when the days get cold and the nights get long. Remember that you deserve to feel good. That you deserve to have good people and good food and a safe place to come home to. Remember that bad moods pass that all bad days end. And that no matter where you are or how lonely you get, somebody out there is looking for you and is waiting to for you to find them and give them your love.

A couple of days ago, I woke up in the “a.m.” with cold sweat and in poor spirits. My thoughts were in disarray as I lay flat on my bed. The night before exhausted me. I just wanted to shut my heavy eyelids and dream a sweet dream. It's unfortunate though, the fact that dreams are of our unconscious and that we cannot revisit them.

Freud proposed that dreams are significant psychic events that take place "below the surface" in the unconscious mind, hidden messages from the unconscious. He explained such events have both symbolic and actual importance.

Flashback struck me and my mind recalled that dream... It started in the mental institution, and I was a clinical psychologist in my mid-twenties. Long story short, there was a well-known and respected senior doctor with me as I was searching for someone urgently and my heart was beating fast. "Where is he?" I muttered breathlessly.

The entire hospital was in chaos. Many patients were noticeably terrified, screaming and running around aimlessly. I could see doctors and nurses panicking and arguing furiously about the situation they were facing. The bright fluorescent lights continued to flicker and the yellow lights were dramatically dimmed. Glass articles shattered upon hitting the floor. The resulting shards that were strewn across the floor caused shedding of blood from stepping on it. No one was in the right state of mind.

It was as if everyone succumbed to animalism, as if I was in a horror house. I was still looking for this boy. In my memories, he was targeted by the previously mentioned senior doctor and apparently, he wanted to kill the young innocent teenager. What for? I couldn't decipher the reasons, but all I knew is that I had to find this lad and bring him to safety, to an unknown place where nobody could find us. My feet brought me to the janitor's room and I saw him sleeping there, soundlessly amidst all the horror. I woke him up and told him we had to go. His eyes were pooled with feelings of lost and he narrowed his eyes, "Where to?” It wasn't like I could tell him he's in danger, because then I'll have to explain to him so much in so little time. This boy, I recalled, had a special place in my heart. It would hurt me to see his pained face if he knew someone was out for his life.

I pressed my lips together a moment, then made eye contact with him, "We're going home."

"Really?" He was elated and beaming with joy. It was funny, how by hearing the word 'home' makes his face light up instantly.

"Let's." I said more gently as I took his hands.

He nodded, "Okay," and we ran for our lives. Different emotions visibly plastered on our face. He was joyful and I was still terrified.

Moments later, when we were at the lobby of the institution, making our exit, I saw him. The bald doctor was looking at us smugly, he put his hands behind him. He had a syringe with him, I knew. His eyes fixated on the boy with such intensity. I could feel him burning in anger.

I couldn't remember much then, but all I knew was him pressing my fingers tightly with his and I didn't know why I couldn't move an inch. It hurts (but I obviously don't feel the pressure) but I wasn't moving and allowing him to do so. Why? The boy that held my hands ran away and were chased by the others. But why was I still there helplessly?
Source:
Unconscious Mind