Hard Times Will Come…

  Matthew 6:34 Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. I see it every day, an employee gets injured on the job, always unexpectedly, and its more complicated than just the injury. A breadwinner in the household is off work, meaning decreased or no income. Now they are struggling to take care of their daily activities, whether that be themselves, their children, their pets, their house. Every day activities become difficult. Their family and friends step in and try to help, which makes the injured party feel bad. The injured worker feels estranged from their friends at work, who are still putting in long hours and are not as supportive or available as they were when they worked together beside each other. Those co-workers are still working on the line, or at the warehouse, or in the delivery vehicle, while the injured party has suffered a complete disruption of their life. The daily battle isnt just your health, its a financial, emotional, and spiritual struggle. Concerns about your future set in, you begin to feel worthless, not sure you will get relief from the pain, and you have no idea how you will make ends meets. I started this article with dont worry about tomorrownd I believe that, but there are things you can put in place to prepare when the hard times come. Because they will come. 1) Have a solid network of friends and family: Build relationships and deposit into them. Be available for others, help them through tough times. Facebook friends will not provide the support you need. 2) Stay healthy: Maintain regular checks-ups, do wellness care including yearly exams, dental and vision. 3) Stay in shape or get fit: Find an activity that you enjoy, such as walking, biking, yoga, jump ropenything that gets you moving AND keep moving! The healthier you are pre-injury, the quicker you will rebound. 4) Limit your debt: Or work to get out of it. Creditors are the least sympathetic in times of difficulty. 5) Have an emergency fund: This is difficult in a time of paycheck to paycheck. But always invest in yourself. Financial planners say you should set aside three months budget. Thats hard. Start with a more reasonable goal. But always invest in yourself. 6) Focus on your mental health: this is important, and it will suffer as well. Find a counselor, find a pastor, find a sedentary hobby to make the most of your time. Idle time thinking about your injury just makes it worse 7) Develop a positive attitude: you will need it to help you weather the hard times and recover or rediscover yourself in the process. 8) Seek professional help: doctors, lawyers, counselors, financial advisors, anyone that can help you make smart decisions. Dont rely on internet advice or your brothers sisters cousin. More than anything, enjoy today, because tomorrow is unknown. But take these steps to make the unknown a little easier. Attorney Kelly Willis Tags: attorney, injury, lawyer, work injury, workers comp, workers compensation