Things happen in life that are huge and unexpected. Some of these things are wonderful, like getting a big promotion, or finding out you are having a baby, or grand-baby. But a lot of the huge unexpected things are not wonderful, like accidents, or illness, or sudden death.
When a huge unexpected thing happens, there is a moment upon awakening, where it is possible to forget the huge life changer. And then reality comes crashing in. The world, as you knew it, is gone, and there is no getting it back.
Every one of us will have the moment, where we wish we could go back to sleep, and get yesterday's world back. But we can't. So what can we do?
First, every day you wake up in your same familiar world, give thanks. Remember to be grateful for all the good in your life. Look over the petty stuff that we can allow to consume our thoughts. Love abundantly.
When you wake up in that brand new world, that you wish you could leave, don't isolate yourself. Reach out to friends and family. It can be incredibly painful to tell the truth that changed your world over and over again, or it can be cathartic. If it is painful for you to share that truth, let someone else do it for you. Let your friends tell your other friends. If telling your truth is cathartic, tell everyone.
Accept your grief. Cry as much and as long as you need to. Allow the people that love you to help you. Be angry if you need to, and find a safe outlet for your anger. Surround yourself with the people who love you most, and who will forgive any crazy you act out while working through your grief.
Remember you are stronger than you know. You will get through this. You will never be the same. That is OK, because the essence of who you are will not change. There will be a depth to you that didn't exist before. Your empathy and compassion will grow.
Life is a one-way ticket. It is all about the journey. As much as possible, surround yourself with people who love you and will support you when you wake up in that brand new world that you never wanted or expected.
Thanks, Anne Marie, for this very timely post -- as you well know. I had commented the first time I read it after you posted and it didn't publish for some reason. I was reading your post on greed today and came back to this post because I needed it again. The brand new world changed yet again today and I needed to see these words again and to remind myself that I am not alone in this journey and that I have a wonderful family and friends who have my back.
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