©Nancy Virden 2026; AlwaysTheFight.com

Accept life on life’s terms. This advice is a promise of rest and stress relief if only we proactively apply it. Life happens. Suffering is inevitable; misery is optional. We cannot control every event that we wish we could; however, we have some say in how much we struggle.

Preparation is the best way to adapt to a surprise. How can that be done if you do not know what is coming? Some basic commonalities between all adverse human circumstances can be pre-addressed.

1. Spiritually. Spend quality time with God. Follow His process to joy and peace. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Following Jesus is the number one way to be secure and spiritually whole, no matter what happens.
2. Financially. Our finances typically take a hit when an emergency arises, whether a bent bumper or a hospital stay. Invest in yourself with appropriate insurance for just such circumstances. Build a nest egg, an emergency fund. Stay-at-home moms, work a little for yourself and for your children, and have your own bank account.
3. Psychologically. Depression is the number one commonality in all human suffering. Be ready and willing to seek help if you come to need it, and especially if you are prone to depression or anxiety. Address triggers now, and do not wait for a crisis. If you have been prescribed medications by a psychiatrist, take them as prescribed consistently and do not quit when you feel better. Your stronger ability to cope is because the meds are working. Ceasing them leaves you vulnerable to crisis.
4. Emotionally. Develop healthy friendships. Go to therapy and learn how to regulate your emotions and strengthen your resiliency muscles. Regularly practice these skills. Place your hope in what lasts, and not in a person or money or the human spirit. All these will fail you during suffering. For example, what if your troubles occur because the person you leaned on has died? What will be your foundation then? Your problems may be money-related, or a sense of disappointment in people may seem devastating. Place your hope in God, who never changes and who loves you.

If these preparations are in place, you will be in a much more flexible space to endure what hardships come your way. Accept life on life’s terms. Reject denial, and prepare.

Part 3 is a take on Let go and let God. Does that bring peace? Stay tuned!

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

1 Peter 4:12-13

 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room; in the EU, call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here.) Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is a mental health advocate, not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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