How to survive when you feel lost and broken

Life is unpredictable, isn’t it? One moment, everything seems perfectly in place, and the next, it feels like the ground has been pulled from beneath our feet. We often realize too late that the stability we relied on was just a fragile illusion. Life can strike hard—so swiftly and ruthlessly—that we don’t even get a chance to gather ourselves. That’s the nature of life: uncertain and unforgiving. And the truth is, none of us are immune to it.

We’re surrounded by countless challenges—broken relationships, homelessness, unemployment, health crises, emotional turmoil, and traumatic experiences. Every individual carries a unique story of pain. Unfortunately, many of the destructive outcomes—like self-harm or emotional breakdowns—stem from our hesitation to talk about what we’re going through, even with those closest to us.

It's rightly said that "You can’t control everything that happens, but you can control how you respond."

But here’s a catch—when life knocks you down, it may shake your beliefs, however, it can’t take them away from you. That means even in our lowest moments, we still hold the power to regain control—but only if we believe we can.

What I’ve come to understand during my own difficult times is that change is possible, but only if we’re willing for it. And to do that, we need to reconnect with our true selves by following a few simple yet powerful steps.

Focus on Self-care - It's common to lose when we're deeply hurt. These times can feel overwhelmingly painful that we do stop caring our physical and emotional needs, which takes a toll on our overall well-being. Maintaining your physical and mental health is crucial during such challenging periods. Without a nourished body and a calm mind, it is incredibly difficult to rise above adversity. That’s why self-care isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Open yourself - Don’t hold yourself back. If there’s something on your mind that’s causing you pain, it’s far better to talk about it with someone who genuinely understands your emotions. In fact, studies have shown that even sharing your struggles with a stranger can help reduce stress. The key is to stop carrying the weight alone, Open up, express what you’re going through.

Do what you like - Even when tough times drain your energy and motivation, it’s important to push yourself—just a little—to engage in things that bring you peace and joy. Studies have shown that activities like painting, singing, exercising, swimming, or traveling can play a powerful role in helping people rise above their darkest moments. You, too, have something you once loved - Reconnect with it. You know "Life’s too short not to do what sets your soul on fire."

Permit yourself to let things go - Sometimes, you stick to your problems for too long that they don't let you start over again. You have to understand that the clock is always ticking and you should not lose your present and future while holding onto past. Sometimes, forgiveness or ignorance is more valuable than revenge. You cannot control everything, somethings are worth letting go. Permit yourself to let it go.

Connect with good people - When you are down, you often feel anxious while connecting with new people. Although it's not the matter of connecting with people but it's about connecting with good people. People who can motivate or people who have gone through similar situations. Their experience may help you in your journey to become a better self. 

Get into the woods - A walk in nature is a step toward healing. There is nothing in this world that nature cannot heal. Take sometime to rejoice tranquility that nature offers. It will refresh you and will bring joy. Always remember - The earth has music for those who listen—and heal.

Learn the Lessons life teaches you - It's okay if life has knocked you down. Remember, life is the greatest teacher. Failure brings wisdom, pain builds strength, and broken trust teaches us to be wiser. Not every storm is meant to break you; some come to clear the way forward. So, if you're hurt, if things aren't going your way, or even if it feels like you've lost everything—know this: there's always a lesson hidden within. Don’t just endure the moment—embrace the lesson it offers.

Set Boundaries - Sometimes, the deepest pain comes from those closest to your heart. Friends may betray you, family might not stand by you, and the one you love may end up hurting you. In such moments, don’t beg for love or wait for someone to prove their care—because if they truly did, they wouldn't have caused you pain in the first place. Instead, learn to set healthy boundaries. Know your worth and define your priorities, so those who once hurt you don't get the chance to do it again.

Never fear of what may come next - Life is full of ups and downs, and being prepared for them is essential. Challenges are a natural part of life, so why let fear take over? "Fear is temporary, but courage is forever." Time is always changing—neither pain nor happiness lasts forever. What matters most is staying ready for whatever lies ahead and facing it without fear and Let your faith be bigger than your fear.

Learn to Forgive - Forgiveness is a powerful tool for achieving inner peace. Not everyone around you will have good intentions—some may try to hurt you, and it's wise to stay cautious. However, when someone causes harm unintentionally, it's important not to carry that pain forever. You alone are responsible for the peace in your life. Holding grudges or seeking revenge only adds to your stress. So, learn to forgive—especially those who never meant to hurt you.

So as a concluding statement, the most important thing is to love yourself. When you truly begin to do so, you naturally discover a purpose in life. It is then that your problems and difficult times gradually start to fade. I believe that nothing in this world can break you unless you allow it to. Every wound heals with time, and our strong will to recover can be even more powerful than any medicine.