F.A.I.T.H.
  • Home
  • The Books
  • The Authors
  • Participation
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Reviews
  • Events

Can I Ever Find a New Normal?

5/15/2015

8 Comments

 
Picture
by Barbara J Hopkinson

How can I heal after loss? Will I ever find a new normal without that special person in my life? Can I be well again?

Healing and wellness is often a choice. That may sound callous, and we need time to “lick our wounds” and find methods that work uniquely for us in our grief. But over time, we can choose to remain in our pain or we can choose to actively work on healing. No one said it was easy, fast, or fun, but it is possible. And once you make up your mind to heal, you start feeling progressively better and on your way to YOUR new normal.

What are some things you can do to start to heal after a big loss?  
• Focus on the positive memories of that person, rather than the pain caused by the loss. Display happy photos, tell funny stories of them.
• Exercise — take walks in nature or set a goal to work towards, like a race. Exercise produces chemicals in your brain that help you feel better.
• Nutrition — eat well. Get more green vegetables (natural stress relief), eat less sugar, drink more water (half your weight daily in ounces) and less alcohol (which is a depressant). 
• Practice deep breathing or meditation to calm your nervous system and relieve stress. This can also help you sleep better.
• Journal — write out your feelings: the good, the bad and the ugly. No one ever has to see what you wrote. Burn it if you like, but it’s very cathartic, and you may be surprised at what comes out.
• Get support — find a support group, a therapist, or talk with friends and family. We all need to talk it out. You may want to advise them before you start that they don’t need to “fix” you, just listen. Avoid negativity.

Most importantly, expect to heal and be patient. Take good care of yourself—even be a little selfish while you heal. You will be of much more benefit to others if you are taking care of you.

Life is tough on us sometimes, but we are all in it together. Reach out, be open to trying new things—like energy healing modalities. Find what you are most comfortable with to help you heal in your unique grief. No one else knows how you truly feel or what’s best for you . . . except you.

I found my new normal after a long journey following the trauma of losing multiple children and a long-term marriage. It can be done. Trust that and START. I’m happy to support you finding your NEW NORMAL. Be well.


Barbara J Hopkinson, Grief Mentor, Author, and Speaker with A Butterfly’s Journey, is a guest blogger and coauthor of F.A.I.T.H. – Finding Answers in the Heart, Volume II. To order your copy of this inspirational book, click here.

8 Comments
Terry
5/15/2015 12:56:51 am

Great post Barbara, gently nudging us to embrace healing after loss rather than clinging solely to the pain.

Reply
Barbara Hopkinson link
5/15/2015 06:43:48 am

Thank you Terry. It's hard to recognize sometimes, that we always have a choice.

Reply
Nanette Littlestone
5/15/2015 01:26:38 am

Barb, isn't it interesting that the little rituals, the common sense routines that we've all been taught, are the easy things to do to pave the way towards healing and more joy? I know it's easy for me to get caught up in the whirlwind of life and business, but when I take the time to settle down and breathe, eat well, and exercise (just a few of your suggestions) I feel so much better. Thanks for practical reminders.

Reply
Barbara Hopkinson link
5/15/2015 06:45:14 am

Yes, as we all do when we take the time. But it's even more important to do self-care when grieving and not motivated to do so.

Reply
Judy Keating link
5/15/2015 01:46:43 am

Barbara
Thanks for the wisdom here. Keeping to sacred routines gives our emotional and mental turmoil the cue to rest, even subconsciously.

Reply
barbara Hopkinson link
5/15/2015 06:46:44 am

Yes Judy, thanks - it does... while the conventional wisdom is "keep busy" and to feel guilty if stating to feel better... but don't we think our loved ones would want that for us?

Reply
Azizi Blissett link
5/15/2015 03:45:26 am

Barbara, thanks for reminding us how to heal and get back to the basics of taking care of ourselves after a loss. The idea of creating a new normal is a great way to move forward.

Reply
barbara Hopkinson link
5/15/2015 06:47:57 am

Thanks, Azizi. Yes, with traumatic loss, we may never feel things can be "normal" again - but they can be... not the same, but a NEW normal

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Categories

    All
    Acceptance
    Appreciation
    Attitude
    Authenticity
    Awareness
    Balance
    Body
    Boundaries
    Contrast
    Courage
    Creativity
    Dreams
    Empowerment
    Flow
    Forgiveness
    Giving
    Gratitude
    Grief
    Healing
    Imagination
    Inspiration
    Intuition
    Joy
    Leadership
    Letting Go
    Listening
    Love
    Mind
    Mirrors
    Purpose
    Receiving
    Relationships
    Self Care
    Self-care
    Self Expression
    Self-expression
    Self Love
    Spirit
    Surrender
    Trust
    Values
    Wellness

    Every situation in your life is an opportunity for growth and clarity. There's no one answer for everyone. Explore new ideas and perspectives. Trust your heart to lead the way.

    Archives

    March 2017
    January 2017
    July 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014

    RSS Feed

© 2017 Words of Passion
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.