No matter how much you plan, prepare, and try to live well, hard times in life are inescapable.  It may be a job loss, financial strain, family conflict, or relationship issues.  It may be an accident or physical injury, or perhaps an emotional injury.  It may be the death of a loved one, the death of a beloved pet, or some other type of loss. 

Whatever the circumstances, sooner or later, everyone experiences some hardship in life.   And while these situations are never pleasant while you're going through them, they're as much a part  of life as the good times are.  But there is a silver lining:  these hard times have the power to change you for the better. 
 
Here are 5 ways the hard times in life help to shape who you are.

“Every thought on which a person dwells, whether he expresses it or not, either damages or improves his life.”  Lucy A. Mallory, Writer

Do you believe your thoughts have the power to impact your life? 

Consider that every action you've taken, every decision you've made, and every word you've spoken, have all originated from an initial thought.   Every thought is like a single physical step; in isolation, it doesn't appear to accomplish much.  But a sequence of physical steps can move you from one place to another, from a few feet to several miles.  Likewise, a sequence of thoughts will lead you in a particular direction, and ultimately move you towards a particular destination.
 
Your challenge?  To ensure that your thoughts are leading you in the right direction and taking you where you truly want to go.

From major social media platforms to individual websites, most online spaces are designed to support user engagement and interaction.  At their best, these spaces allow groups of individuals to connect, share ideas, and engage in fruitful discussions.  Ideally, everyone comes away better and richer from the experience.
 
But these online spaces also have a dark side.  They can foster hostility, negativity, and aggression.  Far from coming away encouraged and enriched, you can find yourself feeling angry, tense, and depressed.  Over time, this can take a toll on you mentally and emotionally.
 
Here are 3 steps you can take to protect yourself and stay healthy when participating in these online spaces.