Last week, you may remember, I was struggling – the holidays, the grief, the loneliness, the pressure – all of it was bringing me to a space that felt raw and dark… a space I didn’t want to be but wasn’t quite sure how to get around it.
But… The Universe/the Divine/Life, (choose your word), heard my cry for help…
Throughout the week, (despite the fact that I don’t even think they read this blog), friends and loved ones have sent me messages that either made me laugh or were messages of love or simply checking in to remind me that, despite what I may feel, I am not alone in this world. Even some of you, letting me know that you are feeling the same – that we are here, supporting each other. All of that seemed to be exactly what I needed… something else to focus on… something positive.
Some of the first messages were the ones that made me laugh… Oh my gosh! I needed that! I needed to laugh… and I needed that reminder that life is not meant to be so serious. It is much healthier to let myself laugh at the crazy, imperfections of life, than to stress about trying to make it all perfect, especially in a world that isn’t.
Then came the reminders of love and genuine caring about how I’m doing… Reminders that others realize this is a hard time of year… They understand the hurt that I may be feeling but want me to remember that I don’t need to carry all of that by myself.
I am loved… and every person in my world has reminded me of that this week.
It has all been a wonderful reminder that while I can’t control my emotions… They happen. They are what they are… What I can control is how I express and/or respond to those emotions. I was on the right path… I was working to stay focused on the positive, and life responded by multiplying the positive ten-fold.
And now… here I am, feeling abundantly loved… Still missing Bruce. (I don’t think that will ever go away completely.) Yet, feeling positive about the season, taking life as it comes, and feeling blessed by so many wonderful people in my world… Thank you.
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Grief is a daily challenge that changes us in ways we could never foresee, making this journey a difficult path for anyone. That is why I share the mistakes I have made, as well as what I have felt and learned along the way. Even sharing our stories of love and life can be helpful on this journey. We know learning to function on this new path is hard, and it is easy to lose our way or forget that we don’t have to do it alone.
I don’t think any of us chose to be here… I know I didn’t. Yet, this is where life has landed us for now… This is where we are. Our lives are now filled with challenges we never imagined and emotions that feel overwhelming at times. So often, I think I have it all figured out, only to find that isn’t true at all. Despite the years since Bruce passed, my life is still filled with challenges, as I am sure yours is too. Learning to take it one day/moment at a time is all any of us can do.
Thankfully, I know I am not alone… None of us are… We have each other. It is our love for those we have lost that brings us together into this space where we can share our experiences. I believe the sharing of our stories is so important… I believe it is healing. Do you have a story to tell? I believe we can find courage and strength in one another’s stories. I believe we can offer each other empathy when we open our hearts to one another. I don’t know about you, but it makes me feel better knowing there are others out there who understand what I mean, and what I feel. It’s nice to know I’m not alone.
Maybe this strikes a chord with you too. We would all love to hear your thoughts or your story. If you would like to share your experience or if you need a helping hand or maybe a virtual hug, let us know. We are here for you… This is our community. To share your thoughts and experiences go to the comments and leave your message.*
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