November 6th: Chapter 2 of Searching for Happiness "Contented people use trials as growth opportunities."
We read and discussed Chapter 2 of the book, as well as James 1:1-16.
Some key learnings:
We read and discussed Chapter 2 of the book, as well as James 1:1-16.
Some key learnings:
- Positive psychologist Lyubomirsky cites the three ways people respond to crisis: 1)they survive by finding a way to carry on afterward, although their lives are significantly diminished; 2) they recover after a time of suffering and return to the life satisfaction level they had before the crisis; 3) they thrive after a time of suffering by using their crisis to grow, learn, mature and become a better person. People who chose to thrive are happier than those who just survive or recover.
- The Bible challenges us to emerge from trials stronger and more mature than before the struggle. See James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5 and Paul's writings about his personal struggles.
- Steps to take toward thriving in struggle include:
- Determine your emotional readiness
- Make an intentional choice to walk in the direction of redeeming a painful situation
- Learn from other people who have survived struggle
- Find people to support you on your journey
- journal about your successes and setbacks
- Celebrate successes
- Determine your emotional readiness
- Think of a past or current trial in your life. How can you use that experience to help others? Who do you know who used a life trial to grow? What can be learned from them?