I think something that's (maybe) widely unknown about trauma and grief is that it's not all bad. Which seems maybe contradictory, but it's true.
There are a lot of things I wouldn't have if not for the sharp turns my life took. These happenings really shape us and grant us a lot of compassion and grace for others. I think the person I am post-loss is a much better person I was pre-loss. I have more empathy and an expanded desire to understand others, which I don't think I'd have if I hadn't lost people I've loved. The wounds absolutely cut deep and still cause pain on a daily basis, but I also have grown to be extremely grateful for all that's come after. In the past two years since losing my partner, I have met people who I believe are some of the best the world has to offer. I've gained friendships that have the potential to last a lifetime. I have learned so many things, both in my personal life and in my professional life. I've learned how to give myself grace and am able to love myself more deeply than ever before.
So, while I miss the hell out of my partner, and every day I wish he was still here to celebrate these wins with me, there's absolutely something to be said about the growth you're pushed through after a loss like that. I grieve what was and what could have been, but simultaneously, I have an immense amount of gratitude for what is and hope for what will be. All of these emotions are allowed to coexist, and in some ways, we need them to in order to survive.
So well said. This resonates deeply. I didn't understand the complexity of grief and hardship before going through this process with my dad. I can't say this was the best year of my life, but it was the most meaningful year of my life. So much good has come out of it weird to say, but it's true. Thank you for sharing this.
I think something that's (maybe) widely unknown about trauma and grief is that it's not all bad. Which seems maybe contradictory, but it's true.
There are a lot of things I wouldn't have if not for the sharp turns my life took. These happenings really shape us and grant us a lot of compassion and grace for others. I think the person I am post-loss is a much better person I was pre-loss. I have more empathy and an expanded desire to understand others, which I don't think I'd have if I hadn't lost people I've loved. The wounds absolutely cut deep and still cause pain on a daily basis, but I also have grown to be extremely grateful for all that's come after. In the past two years since losing my partner, I have met people who I believe are some of the best the world has to offer. I've gained friendships that have the potential to last a lifetime. I have learned so many things, both in my personal life and in my professional life. I've learned how to give myself grace and am able to love myself more deeply than ever before.
So, while I miss the hell out of my partner, and every day I wish he was still here to celebrate these wins with me, there's absolutely something to be said about the growth you're pushed through after a loss like that. I grieve what was and what could have been, but simultaneously, I have an immense amount of gratitude for what is and hope for what will be. All of these emotions are allowed to coexist, and in some ways, we need them to in order to survive.
So well said. This resonates deeply. I didn't understand the complexity of grief and hardship before going through this process with my dad. I can't say this was the best year of my life, but it was the most meaningful year of my life. So much good has come out of it weird to say, but it's true. Thank you for sharing this.