
Everyone reacts to stress and challenging situations and circumstances differently, but I learned a very important lesson after the loss of our son, Kevin, in 2002, that it is important to "respond" not "react," because "when emotions are high, thinking is low."
What is your typical approach to handling difficulties, trials and challenging situations?
Some people react with anger, because for some reason that is how they have learned to get themselves moving through their circumstances.
Some people do not want to face the trial or difficulty, and would rather be in denial or try to escape the reality of their situation or issue.
Some people may feel like a victim and even be somewhat paralyzed by their circumstances.
Most people feel something of all of these emotional reactions to stress and the challenges of life, at one time or another.
After Kevin died, I knew immediately that if I did not "just breathe" and lean into God, drawing closer and becoming more dependent on Him, that I would fall into my old patterns of "reacting" rather than "responding" to the heartache and pain of that life-changing loss.
Thankfully, I was given 3 books to read in the early days of my grief:
"A Grace Disguised" by Jerry Sittser
"Understanding Your Grief-Ten Essential Touchstones" by Dr. Alan Wolfhelt
"The Six Needs of Mourning" by Dr. Alan Wolfhelt
These books were very helpful in helping me understand something of how I might make my way through the "worst thing that had ever happened to me" in a healthy way. To this day, I use much of what I learned from these writers to help me maneuver through the losses, disappointments, challenges and difficulties of life.
How about you? What do you do when faced with a "mountain?" I hope you will consider some of what I have learned about how "leaning into and standing on Faith, holding onto Hope and praying for Clarity" helps. And, I highly recommend the books mentioned above, as well.
With Faith, Hope and Clarity for the Journey,
Angie "a mom like you"
www.amotherlikeme.info
amotherlikeme@gmail.com