I have to admit the toughest time in my life was losing my daughter Makayla in 2019. She was the light of my life… she was honestly the light of everyone’s life. She had the most beautiful spirit anyone could ever have. Given her medical history and bleak prognosis at birth, Makayla defied the odds and accomplished more than many people in the world have had the opportunity to accomplish by the time she was 21. Although doctors had expressed concerns about her life expectancy, she had seemingly defied the odds. But as with each of us, no one knows the hour when we must transcend to our next lifetime. What I do know, is that we just have to be ready when it comes and Makayla was ready. Yes, that was the toughest time in my life. But we all have tough times. It’s a part of life. The key is to not let the tough times get the best of us. Here are some tips on how to get through hard times.

1. Talk to somebody who will understand and can relate. It helps to talk to somebody who has been through similar tough times. They can offer advice and be a shoulder to cry on.
2. Stay positive and keep your sense of humor. This one is easier said than done, but it’s important to try to stay positive during tough times. Laughter is the best medicine, so try to find the humor in situations and laugh when you can.
3. Be patient and take things one day at a time or as suggested by my good friend and sorority sister, sometimes 15 minutes at a time. Don’t try to do too much at once or you’ll overwhelm yourself. Pray for a peace that surpasses all understand!

Tough times are just a part of life, but it’s important not to let them get the best of us. By talking to somebody who understands, staying positive, and taking things one day at a time, we can get through anything that comes our way.