How to Cope in a Season of Hardship
Seasons of hardship happen and can last weeks, months or sometimes years. You know the kind—the kind where everything feels heavier than it should. Being far from home can make it all hit even harder. Maybe it’s the holidays, maybe it’s just life catching up with you, but it’s tough to shake. And that’s okay. You’re not alone in this. There are ways to get through it, even when it feels impossible. Knowing that you can fix all the things, but managing smaller moments can help in the most difficult times.
Acknowledging the Hardship
Why It’s Okay to Struggle
Sometimes, the first step is just recognizing it. Sometimes I try to push things “under the rug” and hope that it all works out. Hardship isn’t always loud; it’s often a quiet, gnawing presence you don’t see until you’re neck-deep in it. But here’s the thing: you have to bring it to the surfaceYou have to name it. Pretending it’s not there, or shrugging it off, doesn’t make it go away. It’s totally okay to admit you’re struggling. In fact, it’s brave. Even if you’re feeling vulnerable. Let’s break this process down a little more.
Recognizing the Triggers
As the organizer and manager of finances in the family, financial stress can be daunting. Sometimes, it sneaks up on you. Maybe you’re stretching your budget too thin, trying to make the holidays “special.” Or you’re feeling that sting of missing someone. Family that lives too far away, friends you haven’t seen in years—it hurts extra this time of year. Then there’s the whole weather thing. Short days, barely any sunlight—it’s a mood killer. And let’s not forget the pressure. Scrolling through posts of glittering trees and perfect family moments… it messes with your head. It’s like, why doesn’t my life look like that?
The Last Few Months
Over the last couple of months, I’ve started leaning more on my community, friends, and family. Letting them know I need help hasn’t been easy.
Asking for help is hard. But I’ve come to realize that no one can handle everything on their own. Sometimes you need that extra support, even if it’s just a small boost to keep going.
That said, I often feel like I’m a burden when asking for help, which makes me hesitant. But staying silent only makes things worse—it’s harmful to my health, both mentally and physically. I don’t want to get to a point where the stress takes over and makes me sick, so I’m actively trying to avoid that.
I’ve been reaching out and talking to people, not just here in Italy but also friends in other countries, Malta, Canada, and the U.S. These conversations have been honest and heartfelt. Hearing about what others are going through makes me realize I’m not alone in my struggles. It’s been comforting to know that others are facing similar challenges.
When life feels exhausting and nothing seems to be working out, it’s easy to shut down. You might tell people you’re fine when, deep down, you’re anything but. At home, the weight of it all can hit hard—spiraling thoughts, anxiety, panic attacks, hopelessness. I’ve been there. I’ve gone to dark places before, shutting myself off from others, and honestly, it didn’t help.
Now, I’m doing the opposite. I’m staying connected. I’m talking with people I care about, sharing what’s on my mind, and listening to their stories. These conversations have been cathartic, helping me process my emotions and see things more clearly. It’s been eye-opening to hear how many people are going through hard times. Especially with Christmas around the corner, it’s a mixed bag for a lot of folks. For some, it’s a joyful season. For others, it brings up pain, loss, and tough memories.
I’m trying to find joy in small, everyday moments. It’s a work in progress. I’ve been journaling, giving myself space to sit with my thoughts, and leaning into activities that ground me.
These things stop me from spiraling. Over the last couple of years, especially during some of my hardest moments, therapy has been a lifesaver. My therapist has been a great support, along with some close family and friends. But I know they can only do so much—they have their limits, and I respect that.
If you’re reading this and struggling right now, I want you to know you’re not alone. If you need someone to talk to, I’m here. Sometimes just saying things out loud can lighten the burden. I’ve noticed that holding onto too much—whether it’s stress, sadness, or worry—physically weighs me down. Letting some of it go makes me feel lighter and more capable of showing up for life with care and focus.
Life’s been a struggle lately, and I’m not a fan of this so-called “struggle bus.” But I’m grateful for the community I’ve found here in Italy and the connections I’ve maintained back home. Without those, I don’t know where I’d be. Christmas dinners, new friends, sharing traditions has been so good for my soul.
Finding resources living here in Italy has been helpful. One app I’ve really appreciated is Insight Timer. It’s similar to Headspace but free! Insight Timer offers guided meditations, sound baths, calming music, and more. There’s a paid version, too, but the free one has worked perfectly for me. Mornings feel a little easier when I start with something grounding.
Another thing I’ve incorporated is using affirmation cards. I’ve been loving these from a company called Intelligent Change. Their journals and affirmations have been great tools for shifting my mindset and focusing on what I want to achieve. I pick a card daily or weekly—whatever feels right—and let it guide me. Affirmations don’t fix everything, but they help me stay hopeful and focused on my goals.
So, here’s the takeaway: you’re not alone, even if it feels that way sometimes. The world is heavy right now, and it’s easy to think your struggles are small compared to everything else going on. But your feelings are valid. It’s okay to seek help, to process, and to heal at your own pace.
As we approach the holiday season, I want to send you all a warm hug from here. I have also created a community group on Telegram for people who want to share their frustrations, joys, wins, and stories about living abroad, how they’ve been navigating it, and their stories. So I invite you to join me there. The Moved with Peace Community Group.
Un bacio xoxo
