Navigating Disappointment in Peace Corps Service: Turning Challenges into Growth
It's natural to enter service with high expectations. But during your first few months, you realize that reality doesn't align with your expectations. And it's perfectly natural to be bummed about it. But here are some strategies to cope with that kind of disappointment:
1. Acknowledge your feelings: It's okay to feel frustrated or upset. Your emotions are valid. Hey, we've all been there. Acknowledge it, and then let it go so you can move forward.
2. Reframe your experience: Consider what you've learned from this and how you can adapt your approach to have a successful service.
3. Practice self-care: Maintain healthy habits - eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep. Life just looks a little brighter if you can wake up healthy. Self-care should be every PCVs #1 priority!!! Find more ideas at “Self-Care”
4. Connect with others: Share your feelings with fellow volunteers. You are not alone. We've all been there at one time or another. By sharing, you allow them to help guide you to a more positive perspective. Check out “Peer Support Network”
5. Journal: Write down your thoughts to gain perspective and release emotions. Sometimes just venting your emotions, especially negative ones, on paper is a way of getting rid of them. Try “Morning Pages”
6. Take the long view: Over a quarter of a million RPCVs can't be wrong. These disappointments and challenges are what will give you strength and resilience to be used in your future.
Remember, setbacks are part of the journey. By facing disappointment constructively, you're developing skills that will serve you well beyond your Peace Corps experience.
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Reference: From Sporting Losses to Ghosting or Not Landing a Dream Job: How to Cope With Disappointment