It can be crushing for teens when they miss out on a long-anticipated event – here’s a look at how to get through it and bounce back with strength.
Today’s the big day. You’ve been rehearsing for the school musical for weeks and can’t wait to belt out your part in the opening number. But, as you jump out of bed, you notice your throat feels scratchy.
When you open your mouth to speak, nothing comes out – there’s no way you’ll be able to perform tonight.
Minor setbacks might be fairly easy to shrug off. But how do you deal with a mammoth-sized disappointment that stops you in your tracks? Something like breaking your ankle a week before the tennis final, coming down with the flu and having to pass up a dream trip or, indeed, losing your voice on the day of the school musical?
ROAD TO RECOVERY
A three-part strategy for coping with disappointment:
1 Keep yourself busy
There’s nothing like taking action to chase the blues away. You might not be able to take part in the activity you’d planned for, but maybe you can get ahead with schoolwork or start composing a new song for the upcoming talent show.
2 Do something you enjoy
Do you like reading novels, playing video games, or watching movies? Being confined by an illness or injury can still leave you with plenty of fun things to do.
3 Show up in a new way
If it’s possible and you feel up to it, go to the event that you’re unable to participate in and support your peers. Even though you may not be in the spotlight yourself, making others feel like stars is just as important and rewarding.
WORDS: Pascale Duguay
ILLUSTRATIONS: Veronika Timokhina
This article was originally published under the title Life, Interrupted in Issue 48 – From the Heart. You can get this issue here to enjoy more mindful inspiration.
