Hello Rebel Souls,

Today, I want to share a personal story about a situation I encountered this week. I’ve been waiting since January for news that I thought would make a huge difference in my life. I had applied for NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) support and had been told I was all set to go and was just waiting for my plan to come through. It made me feel like a goalpost I’d set for myself was in sight. But today, I got the news that I didn’t have enough evidence to fit the criteria for the program.

Frustration and disappointment are the two words that come to mind. I’d been holding on to the idea that once this plan came through, I’d have the support I needed to make things a little easier. To say I felt crushed when I found out it wasn’t going to happen is an understatement. It’s so easy, in moments like this, to feel like staying down—like the fight isn’t worth it anymore.

But here’s the thing: life will knock us down, again and again. We’ll get disappointed, feel heartbroken, and want to give up. But the real art, the real strength, is in getting back up, even when we don’t want to. This week, I’m practicing that art, and I want to share how I’m doing it because maybe, just maybe, it’ll help you when you’re facing your own battles.

Let Yourself Feel the Emotions

First, let yourself feel everything. Don’t bottle up your frustration or try to push away the disappointment. I let myself feel the full weight of the news today. I cried. I was angry. I asked, “When will I catch a break?” And that’s okay. It’s healthy to acknowledge those emotions rather than burying them, because if you ignore them, they tend to fester and grow stronger over time.

Call Someone Supportive

Next, talk to someone. For me, it was my husband and a close friend. Sharing what happened and how I was feeling was incredibly healing. Just speaking the words out loud made the situation feel less overwhelming. If you don’t have a partner or close friend nearby, reach out to someone you trust. Sometimes, just being heard is enough to make a world of difference.

Get a Hug (or Multiple)

Hugs are magical, aren’t they? Science even backs it up: hugs release oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which helps reduce stress, ease anxiety, and improve overall well-being. I asked my kids for a hug today. The warmth of their embrace reminded me that even when things don’t go the way I’d hoped, I’m still surrounded by love. If you don’t have someone nearby, a pet, a teddy bear, or even a pillow can offer some comfort. The point is to let yourself be comforted and reminded that you’re not alone.

Listen to Music and Sing It Out

Sometimes, words alone aren’t enough to release the emotion. So, I turned to music. I found songs that matched my mood (Linkin Park and Imagine Dragons) and sang at the top of my lungs. There’s something powerful about letting go through music, isn’t there? It helps you feel the emotion fully, and then, somehow, it helps you release it. So, whether it’s your favorite sad song or a power anthem that makes you feel strong again, put on that playlist and let yourself sing (or dance) through the pain.

More Tips for Building Resilience

Here are some other tips I found helpful when it comes to building resilience, and I hope they’ll be helpful for you too:

1. Reframe Your Perspective: Try to look at the setback not as a failure, but as a detour. What can you learn from this experience? How can it shape your next steps? Reframing the situation helps shift your focus from “what went wrong” to “what’s next.”
2. Practice Gratitude: Even in moments of disappointment, there are things to be grateful for. I’m grateful for my family, my friends, and even the fact that I have another chance to try again. Writing down a few things you’re thankful for each day can really shift your mindset.
3. Set New Goals: When one door closes, another opens. I’m already thinking about new ways to approach the challenges I face, and I’m determined to set a new goalpost to work toward. Having something to look forward to helps keep the hope alive.

Final Thoughts: I’m Okay

I’m not going to lie—today was hard. Hearing that I wasn’t approved for the NDIS support I’d been counting on hit me hard. But here’s the truth: I’m okay. I will be okay. I have my family, my friends, and my own strength to help me through. Yes, I’m disappointed, but this isn’t the end of the story. I’ll come up with a new plan, and with the love and support of those around me, I’ll keep moving forward.

The art of getting back up isn’t about never falling—it’s about finding the strength to rise, again and again. And I know that’s something we can all do.

Take care of yourself,

Linda