One step at a time

Loss. Grief. Sadness. These things come to us all, in one form or another, at one time or another, throughout our life. Multiple times, in fact.

Most times you and I cannot change the situation that brings grief. We can allow ourselves to be changed by the situation, however. How do we do that, you ask. One step at a time.

Say you or a loved one received a diagnosis of illness the treatment for which comes with no guarantee of healing. You cannot change what is. You can decide whether to move forward with the recommended treatment after weighing whatever options there are. But you or your loved one have no control over the illness or even how effective the treatment is. What you can manage, however, is how you face the situation—by acceptance or by fighting it.

It is important for you to be open and honest about your feelings as you face this. Talk with others about your fears. Reaching out to others helps tremendously—even though sometimes our impulse is to isolate. Grieve whatever losses are involved. Do that as often as necessary. Do everything you can to stay as positive and hopeful as you can. Not only might it help the healing process, but you will have so much more energy and strength to face the situation. And when you can't deal with the losses all at once, do so in smaller steps. Accept what you can, one step at a time.

If you wish to talk about something heavy that's weighing on you right now, I invite you to contact me for a complimentary coaching session on how best to face it.