If I were to ask you to describe what disappointment means, what would you say? The definition of disappointment means sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one’s hopes or expectations. Does this sound at all familiar to you?

Unfortunately, I think most of us have experienced disappointment at least once during life until this point and many have felt this way an innumerable amount of times. Regrettably being disappointed by the government is simply the new norm because it seems impossible for any of them to be honest and care for the lives of others. It does because incredibly agonizing to be constantly disappointed by someone we love and trust.

The sheer amounts of pain involved with most disappointments are unimaginable. It is excruciatingly obvious that times are difficult and severely stressful, which can attempt to derail your happy and comfortable life. The massive struggles we are all facing right now does not and never should allow for others to behave in a selfish and deplorable manner.

When we get disappointed by someone close to us, there is no denying how terribly painful it can be. However, allowing for the disappointment to control any part of our lives will not change what has occurred. I am going to share some tips that I have found for handling disappointments. Of course, the steps I am sharing may not offer the same benefits for everyone and that is okay!

Below are 10 steps you may find helpful after a disappointment:

1.  Accept your feelings-

It is normal for disappointments to cause many unwanted emotions. Disappointments can be tragic and raise many questions about our lives and relationships. We might think it is easier to ignore the raw emotions we have. But, is this really easier? I do not think it is because those emotions can and will surface again someday and probably when you least expect them to. It might be difficult, but accepting the way this hurtful incident made us feel is a crucial step. By allowing for all our negative and painful emotions to hurt for a little while, we get it out of the way and are on the right road to happier and better times.

2. Remind yourself you are not the disappointment-

You might have experienced an awful disappointment and felt like your world was turned upside down, but this will not last forever. What you have gone through does not label you as a disappointment in any way. If you will allow yourself to keep moving forward and continue taking the necessary actions, you will move on and improve as an individual.

3. Learn from this experience-

It can be very easy to allow ourselves to drown in the pain we are feeling. Time will be much better spent if we can look for a valuable lesson from the situation we were in.

Some questions may be helpful to ask ourselves such as:

1. What is one thing learned from this experience?
2. Is there anything that can be done to avoid the same disappointment in the future?
3. What can be done differently next to something like this happens?

After putting a lot of time and thought into your life, you may have concluded less or no time should be spent with the person that disappointed you.

4. Focus your attention on what you still have-

To move on this is important to acknowledge what you still have in life. This could be people, passions, and other things we tend to take for granted.

Drawing our attention towards gratitude will help us to keep things in perspective and not remaining overwhelmed with disappointments, which can ruin our day, week, or even year.

5. Discuss things with someone that you trust-

It is healthier to be able to vent to someone you trust and value their advice and opinion. Venting frustration and hurt emotions helps release inner pressure, figure things out and accept what has happened. Also, the conversation you had with a trusted confidant shares a new perspective on the situation.

6. Review, evaluate, and adjust expectations-

Of you always expect perfection from yourself and others, you will always be disappointed. When you find yourself disappointed, ask yourself will this still matter in 5 days, weeks, months, or even years. It is important to learn not to make a mountain out of a molehill.

7. Give yourself a break-

After experiencing disappointment, you need time to rest your mind, recharge, and even have a little fun again.

8. Get out of your own head-

Do you tend to find yourself contemplating negative situations for an extended period of time? Try directing your attention elsewhere, for example:

*Help someone that needs a little extra help

*Exercise, which will not only be healthy, but it will help to reduce the stress you are feeling.

9.  Look for the small steps to move on with life-

You have been able to accept what has occurred and even learned something from this experience, now you are ready to be motivated to move on with your life. You can set your action plan into motion now.   

10.  Enhance your self-esteem-

An interesting way to help enhance your self-esteem is to take a few moments to write down three things you appreciate about yourself.This will help you to avoid getting caught up in self- criticism and negative emotions felt while healing from disappointment.

Thank you for visiting my site today. I hope if you are currently dealing with disappointment or if you handle it in the future I hope this information will be helpful for you. Disappointment is not easy to deal with and can send us into a downward spiral. I would love to know your opinion on the information I have shared and how you have handled this in the past. 

I hope you had a good day and you are feeling well. Please never forget that I am always sending y’all LOTS of love , comfort, and many positive vibes!

Always, Alyssa