One thing I've learned. . .
Throughout life, loss and hearing about other people's losses, I have learned the key to moving forward is gratefulness.
What? you may ask--this may sound confusing if you have truly experienced loss--maybe a move, a loss of a job, broken relationship or death of a loved one. In your raw emotion it may seem impossible to possibly think of something to be thankful for.
However, I remember vividly--hours after we had found out our baby had died in my womb at 22 weeks gestation, I remember considering how thankful I was to have Scott by my side. I knew others whose husband had died. My pain for both was real and deep, but I was so grateful he had made it back from Iraq alive. That Christmas, I knew my best friend was awakening without her husband, and I awoke to no longer be pregnant. I embraced the moment, and I was so grateful for Scott being there when I opened my eyes.
Later I was thankful for snow that showered down on me one morning when I stepped outside. I was thankful for other things I was able to do since I was no longer pregnant (skiing in the Swiss Alps).
When you are grieving, pick ONE thing each day that you are grateful for. It is a choice; sometimes you have to look for it, but train yourself to do this. Are you thankful for clean water? Are you thankful for a friend who texted you? Are you thankful for the beautiful sunset you just experienced? We can grieve, and we can be thankful. If you want to stay stuck, then keep focusing on what you don't have. If you want to move forward, look around for the gifts around you. There's much to be thankful for.
What? you may ask--this may sound confusing if you have truly experienced loss--maybe a move, a loss of a job, broken relationship or death of a loved one. In your raw emotion it may seem impossible to possibly think of something to be thankful for.
However, I remember vividly--hours after we had found out our baby had died in my womb at 22 weeks gestation, I remember considering how thankful I was to have Scott by my side. I knew others whose husband had died. My pain for both was real and deep, but I was so grateful he had made it back from Iraq alive. That Christmas, I knew my best friend was awakening without her husband, and I awoke to no longer be pregnant. I embraced the moment, and I was so grateful for Scott being there when I opened my eyes.
Later I was thankful for snow that showered down on me one morning when I stepped outside. I was thankful for other things I was able to do since I was no longer pregnant (skiing in the Swiss Alps).
When you are grieving, pick ONE thing each day that you are grateful for. It is a choice; sometimes you have to look for it, but train yourself to do this. Are you thankful for clean water? Are you thankful for a friend who texted you? Are you thankful for the beautiful sunset you just experienced? We can grieve, and we can be thankful. If you want to stay stuck, then keep focusing on what you don't have. If you want to move forward, look around for the gifts around you. There's much to be thankful for.
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