To put it metaphorically, there will be moments in life when sh*t hits the fan. To put it in other, less graphic terms, life happens.

In my case, there have been times when bird poop and tree sap and mud hit the windshield of my car right after I get a car wash, have filled up my gas tank, and vacuumed the entire inside of my car. I think everything is going quite well that day. I felt good, I had enough money to fill up my tank and score that $2.07 per gallon, wash my car, and vacuum up every piece of hidden goldfish in the backseat, courtesy of the two adorable girls I nanny who inhale goldfish like some kind of drug.

Everything is good, everything up until that point is holding consistency with a steady rhythm, and my car smells like the iconic scent of Black Ice until BAM!

Life happens.

Now what? When life happens and gets tough, the feeling of being distraught, frustrated, sad, anxious, distressed, emotional, and having little-to-no motivation can spark inside one’s mind, body, and soul. But remember, these feelings and emotions are normal; they only prove that we are one hundred percent human. They only prove that we’re living the imperfect yet perfect experience of our own lives. It’s Hallmark-esque talk, I know; however it’s true and important to remember that when life happens, it’s okay to feel everything – good and bad.

There is no need to feel guilty for the way you’re feeling. Acknowledge and accept what you feel. But to let those feelings pass by and for you to be able to slowly move forward with reverence, courage, and strength? Now, that’s what I’m talking about.

May I reiterate though that it’s easier said than done to move from a state of frustration, sadness, or distress for example and continue to put one foot in front of the other. Which is why helpful tips and reminders in bullet point format always can come in handy (courtesy of me being an organizing freak since I was a toddler. Yes, I used to organize our family’s Disney’s VHS tapes in alphabetical order when I four. So, what?).

The list below is from me to you. For whenever sh*t ever hits the fan, if you’re ever feeling alone, if you are ill of health, if you made a mistake, if you are confused, if you are frustrated, if you are nervous and anxious, if you have lost a job, if you have lost a loved one or someone close to you, if you are lost in general, or if you feel that you just need a helping hand to get out of bed in the morning.

When life happens, remember…

• Breathe.
• Breathe.
• BREATHE. (Third time's the charm.)
• You are loved, you are worth every ounce of your being, and you have a purpose to be here in this very moment and in this very life.
• You have gifts, talents, goals, ideas, and dreams unique to everyone else.
• You are blessed with your access to basic necessities in order to survive.
• Give yourself credit and appreciation for all that you have accomplished in your life. If that is too much to do in this moment, give yourself credit and appreciation for all that you’ve accomplished today, whether it’s brushing your teeth or landing a job interview. Every little bit counts.
• Life will have its good and bad moments. Not everything is guaranteed but anything is possible.
• Opportunity will knock. Search for it and let it come to you.
• You have the power to change your perspective or your situation. When you’re ready, do something about it.
• The world will keep turning. The day will end at midnight, and a new day will start.
• When one door closes, two doors will open. (It’s cliché, but true nonetheless.)
• You’re one hell of a human being who has done so much already, so why stop now? You’d be doing yourself a disservice if you did.