I was always taught to keep my troubles to myself, but that doesn't help anybody—especially me. Everyone you meet is fighting a battle. You just don't know it. With that in mind, I'm going to share the following. It just might help you realize that you're not alone.

It's a very stressful time for me. I find myself full of anxiety, grief, worry, and more. As you might imagine, those feelings can take a spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical toll—especially if you say nothing and do nothing, just stewing in your own juice. I don't want to do that. So, I'm going to tell you what I'm doing to handle what life is throwing at me right now:

1. Run to God – I read my Bible and I pray—a lot.

2. Be open – I talk with my close friends. I let them know what's going on and ask them to pray for me.

3. Eat right – I’ve changed my diet: no sugar, salt, dairy, pasta, baked goods, or processed foods. Just protein (meat, fish, poultry), fresh vegetables, and fresh fruit. Two cups of coffee in the morning, and that’s it. Water the rest of the day.

4. Move – I work out regularly and keep a journal of my daily progress: weightlifting, martial arts, hiking.

5. Change the subject – I stay busy doing things I love. Sometimes, distraction is a good thing.

6. Get help – I’ve involved my doctor. He knows how I’m doing and what I’m doing, and he’s helping me get through this time.

Everyone has troubles. In fact, Jesus told us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Understanding this, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Don’t stew in your own juice. Follow the six steps I’ve outlined, and don’t give up. Life can be tough, but it’s still worth living—and worth fighting for.