People often say that good things can happen out of the bad . I ’ m here to tell you that it is true .
In the horror of it all , buried in the pain and the raw emotion , there is something magical and enlightening about loss . It exposes a side of life that you never previously experienced . Your perspective will change . Everything about your thinking will forever change . Nobody escapes this life without suffering , and now it is your turn .
When life doesn ’ t go as planned , we must hold on to the knowledge and hope that we still have choices , and that we are strong enough to make them .
I don ’ t claim to have all of the answers , but this is what I ’ ve learned about making choices and how to navigate through difficult times .
INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH - The temptation is to drown your sorrows in unhealthy habits that temporarily make you feel good . A quick fix always sounds great , but you ’ re in this for the long haul . There are no quick fixes to help you rebuild the rest of your life . Strive for balance . Staying healthy will help make the mental agony of loss a little easier to overcome .
AVOID ISOLATION - It is vital to maintain connections with the people who love you . Sometimes they won ’ t know what to say . Most people want to help , they just might not know where to start . Don ’ t build walls around yourself . Let them in . You won ’ t regret it . Express your feelings and don ’ t apologize for them .
FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU LOVE - Passion is what keeps us afloat day in and day out . Doing what you love will help your sanity during the most tumultuous times . You must determine your own personal interests . Make a list . Go out and do them . Do not let the loss define you . You are so much more than that . You get to define yourself . You make those choices .
MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF - Time is a rare commodity . Eliminate “ I don ’ t have time ”. Choose to make time for yourself . Even a little bit of time will help . Sometimes you have to get creative about making it happen , but be committed to loving yourself . Cont ’ d
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