I received an email yesterday from someone who had recently read my book, Perseverance. It’s an email I receive often, an emotional account of how an individual perseveres through unimaginable darkness, that always leaves me speechless. I question why I am worthy of receiving acknowledgment when this individual is far more powerful than I could ever aptly describe in words. I am merely the conduit that made sure this book entered the world. I never questioned its need to be written, but do question why I was the person selected to write it.
For over ten years, I have immersed myself in a world that deals with loss on a daily basis. And I have become the person many people seek for hope and inspiration to work through the experience of loss. That’s a big role for one person to fill. I resisted this simple fact for quite some time. I felt that taking time to focus on myself would be selfish. In reality, by not taking this time, I was more selfish – acting as if I were superhuman. It wasn’t until I became my weakest that I realized the importance of beginning my own journey of healing. This blog served as my cocoon. Writing became a ritual that united me with my inner voice. It helped me to resist retreating into the habit of ignoring my emotions and self-care.
In May, I was contacted by Nicola Warwick of The Whole Self to contribute to a workbook she was creating on the power of loss. I resisted the project until the last day and then finally sat down with a piece of paper, a pen, and a big box of tissues. I wrote from my heart and after submitting the piece to Nicola felt a powerful wave of energy that sparkled with inspiration. I needed to write this piece, to share this story. I am grateful that the universe delivered this opportunity to me and that I embraced it.
The workbook, Loss Love Life, is available for free. You can download it and read its powerful stories whenever you feel the time is right. I have read it twice already and gain new insight each time. The workbook includes exercises and resources in addition to the powerful stories. The contributors include: Thursday’s Child, Julie Daley, Patti Digh, Margaret Fuller, Danielle LaPorte, Michael Nobbs, Carolyn Rubenstein, Andrea Schroeder, Kate Swoboda, Julie Jordan Scott, Dyana Valentine, Eydie Watts and Nicola Warwick.
Loss Love Life: Learn More + Download Here
2. Photography.
5. Wide open spaces.