What are your best practices for getting through a hard time in your life?

I remind myself of the challenges I've overcome before and have faith that I can continue to do the same going forward. I also know that I don't know God's plans, so like the song "unanswered prayers" I leave what I cannot control in God's hands and have faith that something better will come of it.

I remind myself that everything that is happening will end, nothing is forever and then I just throw another plate on the bar and lift harder! I use my hour at the gym every morning to get that nonsense out of my head and take on each day as new. Tomorrow is not guaranteed and I will not waste today, worrying about a potential tomorrow...

That's a hard ask. I don't think there is a set metric that will work. That's like asking "how to have a good life". There is alot to unpack and context matters.

In general I try to keep in touch with my core group of friends for a sounding board. The ability to speak openly with your friends and your spouse is huge because that is your inner circle. I also think having an anchor is important. Whether it's a hobby or maybe a favorite place to hike. I go to church to clear my head and I also go hiking. I also enjoy archery and rifle ranges as it forces you to force out distractions to help focus on the task. It helps me to flush out the stress and slowly re-engage the source of stress. It allows me to place things in order using perspective.

I go camping with no electronics or noise to distract the mind. If there is not enough time for that just go to a park for at least one hour and just breathe.

If I can't go hiking that day I go to my little woods on my property, lean back against a tree and watch nature. Watching squirrel is quite interesting. They don't call them natures acrobats for nothing. While sitting there I try to analyze what has happened and why; try to make sense of it. It helps to have some soothing music to listen to. Tunes like John Barry's "Out of Africa" is one of my favorites at a time like this. I remind myself that everything happens for a reason. What is hard is trying to find that reason. Usually there is not an immediate answer. Relaxing helps us deal with whatever life has thrown at us just a little easier.

Two Rules: 1. Don't Quit. 2. Keep Your Sense of Humor

Settle down; analyze what's going on; determine action needed to resolve the problems; go through the needed steps.

Praying. I figure that God has a plan for me and in the long run it will all work out

The worst time I had in the Army was when my wife left me in Italy. She returned to her very wealthy family in the U.S. It was a huge gut-punch. I eventually sought help from my Chaplain, an Army COL who had served in Korea and Vietnam. He was a very senior Army Chaplain and had literally seen it all. After a few discussions with me, he gave me an analysis of what was happening that was spot-on. Some of it I did not want to hear, but he spoke truth to me, and helped me face it.

That he was a Catholic and I was an Episcopalian did not matter. I honestly believe he saved my life, because I was in a very bad place. I'll always remember him very fondly for bringing me back into a full life.

So my best practices would be to seek help from a trusted counselor, pray and keep connected with your friends. At times like those, you'll soon find out who your real friends are.

We had a lot of very serious stuff that happened in a very short time just recently. We first dealt with whatever was emergent and needed immediate attention. Then when all urgent needs had been addressed, we took a few days' break, by spending some time away from it all and turning off the mind for a little while. Once some of the emotions had run their course and the overthinking had stopped, developing an actual plan on how to proceed with all the fall-out and the long term considerations helped a lot. Seeking advice and having honest, open discussions with friends, family, and other trusted confidants (Chaplains, Pastors, Family Doctor, VA Counselor) and even professionals (Medical Personnel, Attorneys, etc) were paramount in developing that plan and implementing it along with other effective ways to cope and overcome. Having faith, purpose and direction along with a can-do attitude while still being humble and acknowledging the need for and seeking help, go a long way. Never abandon hope. Always think that every tomorrow is a new day, that while it may bring new challenges, it may also change your life for the better.