The last few years have thrown everyone for a loop.

If you’re feeling a little lost or wondering how to actually thrive (not just survive) when everything’s up in the air, you’re not alone. In a recent episode of Looking Forward Our Way, we talk about what it really takes to keep moving forward during tough times like these. Here’s what stood out:

Good Things Don’t Come Easy (But They’re Worth the Effort)

You know that saying, “Everything worthwhile is uphill?” It came up, and it’s true. No matter what your goal—landing a new job, staying healthy, keeping your family sane—it’s going to be a climb.

But that’s just part of the deal.

Expect it.

Embrace it.

There’s ALWAYS an Answer

When things get tough, it’s easy to feel stuck. But shifting your thinking to start looking for solutions will honestly take you a long way. This applies at home, at work, and even with your friends.

Tough Times = Self-Discovery Time

As much as we hate it, hard times force us to grow. Tough situations can reveal strengths and talents you didn’t even know you had. Maybe you’re actually a great problem solver, or you found you can handle more than you thought.

Stay Positive (But Keep It Real)

No one’s saying you have to slap on a fake smile and ignore what’s hard. Instead, acknowledge the challenges. But choose to focus on what’s good, too.

It’s not about being “Pollyanna”; it’s about a balanced perspective.

Feed Your Faith, Starve Your Fears

Faith doesn’t have to be religious. Think of it as hope or confidence that things can change. Put your energy into what feels right and what you can control, not on worst-case scenarios.

Action Breaks the Funk During Tough Times

Feelings can knock us down, but the minute you start doing something—anything—positive, you start shifting those emotions.

Sad and missing your people? Call a family relative.

Stressed about work? Make a small to-do list.

Take the action and your mood will follow (eventually).

Today Matters. Like, REALLY Matters.

The only thing you actually have is today. Can’t change yesterday, can’t predict tomorrow, so what will you do right now? Make sure your daily schedule fits your values.

Even tiny steps count—text someone you care about, get outside, eat something good. It all adds up.

Pause and Reflect—Don’t Just React

When things go sideways, it’s so easy to fly off the handle. Instead, practice the “pause.” Take a moment, breathe, and then decide what’s worth your energy.

Intention beats reaction every time.

The Big Picture Helps

When you zoom out and realize the world doesn’t revolve around you, it can put things into perspective. Gratitude and empathy grow the more you step outside yourself.

Tough Times Make Us Stronger

Maybe this is the silver lining. Even if we don’t “go back to normal,” we can build something new from all the messiness we’ve survived. Reflecting on what you’ve managed to accomplish—big or small—can remind you that you’re more capable than you think.

All these nuggets came from a truly insightful guest on the show. Orelle Jackson brought a ton of wisdom and real-life advice to the table. So, next time life throws you off-track, just remember: you’ve got more tools now than you did before, and you don’t have to go it alone.

We would love to hear from you.

Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.

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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.