10 Ways to Live Above Your Life's Circumstances

When the economy is difficult or work is impossible, when our marriage is a strain, or the children are especially challenging—or maybe all four at once—it’s easy to feel weighed down by circumstances. “If only things were different,” we say, “then my life would be OK.”  Circumstances don’t have to define life. As All Pro Dads we can be solid, content and fulfilled regardless of the difficulties and the challenges that we face. Fact is; the way that we respond in the face of struggle says a lot about our character.

Here are 10 Ways we can live above life’s circumstances:

1. Be clear about what defines you:

   Make sure know who you are, understand that you were created with a purpose, be crystal clear about what makes you tick.

2. Live according to values that stand independent of circumstance:

   Stand on the solid ground of faith. Own the fact that you are a part of something greater. Build a life around values such as service and love and compassion.

3. Practice living above circumstances before things get difficult:

   The time to learn how to step outside of circumstance is when things are still going well. Make sure that you’re not being sucked in to a reliance on the wrong values. Don’t put your eggs in the wrong baskets. Learn the difference between values that last and things that will ultimately let you down.

4. Understand that relationships count:

   Make the choices that value relationships ahead of the bottom line. Spend time with your children. Engage your marriage as a priority not an afterthought. Honor your parents and friends.

5. Be the best husband in the world!

   It’s a lot easier to deal with a lost job, or a financial challenge, or a difficult child when you are confident in your relationship with your wife.

6. Invest in things that are timeless:

   In your monthly budget, how important is charitable giving? Do you give your leftovers or is self-sacrifice involved? Be generous with what you have and you won’t miss it so much when it’s gone.

7. Do not look to other people for validation:

   Learn to rely on what you know is wise rather than the opinions of those around you. If you need to purchase trendy items, or drive the right car, or wear the correct clothes in order to feel validated, then your sense of self-worth is going to depend on things that could (and will) easily disappear overnight.

8. Develop a clear vision as to where you are going:

   Understand your purpose in life, and develop clear goals that come directly from your heart. Your vision is more enduring than the temporary ups and downs of circumstance.

9. Learn to distinguish between the temporary and the eternal:

   When we understand what parts of our life line up under “temporary” and what parts can be listed as “eternal,” then it’s not so hard to be philosophical when the temporary stuff threatens to overwhelm.

10. Be reasonable:

    Keep a sense of balance. Ask for help from those around you. Don’t think you have to be the strong and silent one. Remember to live in community. Let yourself be loved and cared for.

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