June 30: Steps to Recover from Disappointment

Psychiatrist and Today Show contributor, Dr. Gail Saltz, tells her Woman’s Day audience it’s normal to feel distressed when you don’t get what you expected.  She offers three steps guaranteed to help you bounce back.

▪ Allow yourself some time to be sad, disappointed and/or angry. “Whether it’s not having the job you envisioned, a relationship breaking up, or an unsupportive parent—it’s truly a loss, and you’ll experience all the emotions associated with it.”

▪ Rewrite negative thoughts, which are common.  “Doing this takes a combination of self-acceptance and a willingness to expand the scope of your expectations.” Focus on the positives in your life.

▪ Regroup and set smaller, doable goals.  “They will give you a sense of control over your situation, and help build your confidence.”

No matter how many times we fall, remember that with  hope, determination and God’s help, we can rise again.

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;…struck down, but not destroyed.  (2 Corinthians 4:8,9)

Teach me to be grateful for my successes as well as the lessons learned from my disappointments, Lord.