Ever had one of those days where you feel like you’re just an extra in the movie of your own life, and the director (aka the universe) keeps throwing you into the most ridiculous, dramatic and chaotic scenes? Yep, that’s life “lifing” you—when everything seems to be happening *to* you rather than *for* you. It’s like the universe has gone rogue and decided to spice things up without your permission but here’s the good news: you don’t have to just sit there and take it. In this post, we’re going to dive into how you can flip the script and start calling the shots, no matter how much life is “lifing” you right now. Ready to go from a background extra to the star of your own show? Let’s do this!
1. Recognizing when life is ‘lifing’ you
First things first: let’s talk about the signs. You are definitely being “lifed” when your morning starts with spilled coffee on your favourite shirt, your inbox is overflowing with emails that all seem urgent, and your cat decides your laptop keyboard is the perfect nap spot. Sound familiar? That’s life doing its best impression of a circus. Recognizing these moments is key because once you see it for what it is—life throwing a tantrum—you can start planning your counterattack. The trick is to acknowledge the chaos without letting it take the wheel. Remember, you’re the driver, not the passenger.
2. The power of perspective: it’s all in your mind
Here’s the deal: life is always going to “life” you to some extent. That’s just how it goes but the difference between feeling like a helpless bystander and a confident life-navigator is all in your perspective. When the universe sends a storm your way, it’s tempting to just throw your hands up and shout, “Why me?!” Instead, try flipping the script—ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” or “How can I turn this mess into something awesome?” The moment you shift your perspective, you take back some of the control, and suddenly, life doesn’t seem so scary anymore. It’s like realizing you have been holding the remote to your life’s TV show all along.
3. Taking back the reins: be the boss of your own life
Now that you’ve recognized when life is “lifing” you and adjusted your perspective, it’s time to take action. You wouldn’t let a toddler run your household, right? So why let the chaotic side of life run your day? Start by setting boundaries—not just with other people, but with life itself. Decide what you will and won’t tolerate. Maybe that means saying no to that extra project at work or carving out some “me time” no matter what. When you assert your control, life starts to respect your boundaries. It’s like teaching a puppy to sit—it might take some time, but eventually, the message gets through.
4. Mastering the art of letting go
Let’s get real—sometimes, no matter how hard you try, life is going to “life” you, and there’s not much you can do about it. That’s where the art of letting go comes in. Imagine trying to hold onto a handful of sand; the tighter you grip, the more it slips through your fingers. The same goes for life’s challenges. Sometimes, you have to loosen your grip and let things unfold naturally. It’s not about giving up; it’s about trusting that things will work out in the end, even if the journey there is a bit bumpy. So, take a deep breath, let go of what you can’t control, and focus on what you can.
5. Finding your zen in the chaos
When life is “lifing” you, finding moments of peace can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But trust me, it’s possible. You don’t need to book a flight to a remote island (though that does sound nice). Start with small, daily practices that help you find your center, even in the midst of chaos. Maybe it’s a five-minute meditation, a quick walk outside, 5-minute journaling or even just sipping your coffee slowly in the morning. These little moments add up and can make a big difference in how you handle life’s curveballs. When you have your Zen, life’s chaos doesn’t seem so overwhelming—it’s just noise in the background.
6. Embracing imperfection: life isn’t supposed to be perfect
Here’s a newsflash: nobody’s life is perfect, no matter what their Instagram feed looks like. The sooner you embrace that, the easier it becomes to handle life when it’s “lifing” you. Perfection is a myth and trying to achieve it is like chasing a unicorn—you will just end up tired and frustrated. Instead, focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate the small wins, even if they don’t look exactly like you imagined. When you let go of the need for everything to be flawless, you free yourself from unnecessary stress and life starts to feel a lot more manageable—and a lot more fun.
7. The importance of humour: laughing at life’s little tricks
If there’s one thing that can save you when life is “lifing” you, it’s humour. Seriously, sometimes the best thing you can do is just laugh. Laugh at the ridiculousness of it all, laugh at yourself, and laugh at the idea that life thinks it can get the best of you. Humour is a powerful tool—it can diffuse tension, lift your spirits and remind you that life isn’t always so serious. The next time life throws you a curveball, try to see the funny side. After all, if you can laugh in the face of chaos, what can’t you do?
8. Building a support system: you don’t have to do it alone
When life is “lifing” you, it’s easy to feel like you are all alone on a sinking ship. But guess what? You’re not. Building a strong support system can make all the difference. Whether it’s friends, family, or a community of like-minded people, having others to lean on can help you weather life’s storms. Don’t be afraid to reach out when you need help—asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness and remember, you’re not just receiving support; you are also giving it. A strong support system is a two-way street and it’s one of the best tools you can have in your life toolkit.
9. Practicing gratitude: finding the silver lining
When life is “lifing” you, it’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong but here’s a little secret: there’s always something to be grateful for, even in the midst of chaos. Practicing gratitude is like wearing glasses that help you see the good in every situation. Start small—maybe it’s being thankful for that one person who let you merge in traffic or the fact that your favorite song came on the radio at just the right moment. Over time, these little moments of gratitude add up and can shift your entire mindset. When you focus on the good, life starts to feel a lot less overwhelming and a lot more manageable.
10. Taking time for yourself: recharging your batteries
Let’s be honest: when life is “lifing” you, it can be exhausting. That’s why it’s so important to take time for yourself to recharge your batteries. This isn’t about being selfish; it’s about self-preservation. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you’re filling yours up regularly. Whether it’s a long bath, a good book or a night out with friends, find what recharges you and make it a priority. When you take care of yourself, you are better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way and who knows? Maybe life will start “lifing” a little less when it sees how strong and rested you are.
11. Setting goals: creating your own life path
One of the best ways to stop life from “lifing” you is to set your own goals and create your own path. When you have a clear direction, it’s harder for life to knock you off course. Start by setting small, achievable goals that build up to your bigger dreams. Each step you take toward your goals is a step away from feeling like life is happening to you instead of for you. Plus, having goals gives you something positive to focus on, even when things get tough. Remember, you’re the architect of your life, so make sure you’re building something you love.
12. Staying flexible: life is an adventure, not a straight line
While setting goals is important, it’s equally important to stay flexible. Life is full of surprises and sometimes your path will take unexpected twists and turns. Embrace these changes as part of the adventure. Flexibility allows you to adapt when life “life’s” you and helps you find new opportunities in unexpected places. Instead of seeing detours as setbacks, see them as new roads to explore. When you’re flexible, you’re better equipped to handle whatever comes your way and life becomes less of a struggle and more of an adventure.
FAQs:
Q1: What does “lifing” mean in this context?
A1: “Lifing” refers to those moments when life feels overwhelming or chaotic, as if everything is happening to you without your control. It’s when the universe seems to throw challenge after challenging your way and you’re left trying to keep up.
Q2: How can I stop life from “lifing” me?
A2: While you can’t completely stop life from throwing challenges your way, you can change how you respond to them. By adjusting your perspective, setting boundaries, practicing gratitude and taking care of yourself, you can regain control and navigate life with more confidence.
Q3: Is it okay to ask for help when life is “lifing” me?
A3: Absolutely! Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Building a support system of friends, family, or a community can make all the difference when you’re dealing with life’s challenges.
Conclusion:
So, there you have it—your survival guide for when life is “lifing” you. Remember, you’re not just a passive player in this game; you’re the star, the director, and the scriptwriter all rolled into one. Life might throw some wild plot twists your way, but with the right mindset, a bit of humour, and a whole lot of resilience, you can take control and make your life the blockbuster it’s meant to be. Don’t let life “life” you—get out there and start lifing life right back!
So go head and kick “life’s” butt! I believe in you.
Xx
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