13 Practical ways to get through an unexpected disappointment

Let's be real, how many of us have made plans, strategized how they'd work out, eagerly awaited the outcome, just to see absolutely everything fall a part? It doesn't always happen this way, but when it does, doesn't it sting? It blows! So many questions come up. Doubt fills our hearts. "Why?" "How?"... I'm here to tell you that everything that has fallen a part in your eyes, has only been falling into place in God's hands.[ctt template="2" link="v0l7D" via="yes" ]"I'm here to tell you that everything that has fallen a part in your eyes, has only been falling into place in God's hands." @lovemichelleana[/ctt]You see, as I mentioned today on my Snapchat, absolutely nothing catches God by surprise. Nothing. I wanted to share with you, that even when life doesn't go as planned, YOU CAN still shine and you WILL see joy. Here are 14 practical ways to get through an unexpected disappointment:

1. Accept the pain that the moment brings and give yourself the permission to grieve. This is rather hard for some folks simply because we live in a world where social media has become the standard of happiness. What do I mean? It has become a space where "positive vibes" reign and no one ever has a bad day. Don't get me wrong, I am ALL for a positive mindset and vibes BUT we also need to learn how to handle negative experiences when they present themselves.
2. Allow yourself the time and space to reassess and reevaluate. Look at everything, the good, the bad, the pros and the cons, even the impossible. Now that this has happened, what can you do to move forward? Focus.
3. Never give up HOPE. To have hope right in the face of an impossible situation is a beautiful thing. Don't loose that. I don't care what it looks like, how bad it feels, don't you ever loose that desire to hope.
4. Take as much time as you need to recover from the unexpected disappointment but NEVER ever forget to take care of yourself. Self care is so important and vital for your process of recovery from this.
5. Recognize that if you stay "stuck" you are blocking someone else's blessing through your story and experience. It's crazy right? To think that our learning experiences are often times not even just for us to soak up, but rather to help someone else who may encounter similar set backs.
6. Inhale Peace, Exhale Love. - Literally. Stop and Breathe.
7. You know that saying "Hurt people, hurt people"? Don't be that person. Even on your darkest day, you have no idea how far a smile can go. Smile at a stranger today.
8. Write down 3 things you are grateful for right now at this moment.
9. Read a book. I have been SUCH a book worm for the last several months and I am loving it. Some of the topics I enjoy are Inspiring Memoirs, topics about Business Growth, how the mind functions, etc...
10. Watch a funny show/movie. I'm loving Jane the Virgin these days.
11. Seek and embrace the very valuable life lesson that life is trying to teach you right now. There isn't a coincidence that you are going through this right now!
12. Silence the distractions around you and listen. There are so many things constantly on our minds, how can we possibly focus. Theres's a bible verse that I absolutely love and it simply says "Be still, and know that I am God..." (Psalm 46:10).
13. PRAY! This is so important. Now more than ever, you need direction. Girl, you gotta PRAY!

LMA