And when it happens, we want to DO something. We want to grab onto something and feel steady again.
Unfortunately, there is no magic solution to such a difficult season, but here are a few things that may be helpful:
-Accept where you are. Give the season a name (this is Hard. this is Sad. this is Devastating). Naming things helps us gain authority over them and puts us in a better position to heal when the time comes. Denying what you’re going through (this is no big deal. I shouldn’t feel this way) can add a lot of difficult emotions to an experience that is already difficult.
-To gain a small sense of normalcy, pick one simple thing a day that you can do to feel normal. Read a book to your child, do a small load of laundry, wash your hair. Just one thing that makes you feel like yourself.
-Accept help. This isn’t the time to turn help down. When people say “how can I help” try to name something specific. Don’t go through this time alone.
-Know this season isn’t forever. A better day WILL come. You can accept where you are but still remind yourself of this.
-If you consider yourself a person of faith, hang on to what you know with all you’ve got. Everything is not good, everything is not from God, and everything does not happen “for a reason”. But He will absolutely take your darkest times and use them for your good. One day the sun will shine again, and when it does your faith will be stronger.
This list isn’t exhaustive and it doesn’t take the place of therapy, but I do hope it’s encouraging to you if you’re in a hard place.
