What troubles me now?
My past traumatic events lessened my physical strength. My husband's passing cluttered my mind and brought sorrow into my soul. I felt like I was drowning in grief.
What do I do to find comfort?
I turn to my faith with hope in my heart. My family, close friends, and long-distance writing communities support me.
How do I manage the grief that brings exhaustion, nightmares, and anxiety?
Faith and hope intervene because I am in need.. I turn to scripture, The Lord is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation." (Psalm 118-14) I listen to faith-filled music, such is a new collection I found, "Songs for Comfort".
How do I build strength so I can restore my body, mind, and spirit?
I am eagerly trying to build strength through physical therapy for a fractured ankle. Nine months after my husband passed, I decided to engage in bereavement counseling. The communication between the bereavement counselor and me is one of comfort and determination to minimize grief. This is my self-help for building spiritual and emotional strength. Positivity and optimism strengthen my mind.
Each day, I wake to the song, Restore My Soul, that brings my one word into the light of day. I begin the journey to total wellness of the mind, body, and spirit. There is never a full day of strength building, but I am determined to walk the road to restoration and renewal.
I am thankful for the inspiration that comes through reading. It provides me time to pause and look out the window at nature's sunset, lighting the gray sky. Building strength is one day at a time.
Kahlil Gibran stated: “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars."
I have felt the scars of sorrow, but I must walk the spiritual journey to navigate reality. I am ready!
Thank you to those who understand.
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I am grateful for the following writing communities
Leigh Anne Eck
host of today's Spiritual Journey
illuminated my thoughts on her topic strength. Please join me as I share my thoughts with Leigh Anne and my colleagues of Spiritual Journey Thursday Community.
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Carol,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as though you are doing all you can to navigate grief and find healing. Have you read The Body Keeps the Score? You mentioned trauma, and that book addresses how our bodies hold onto trauma. I imagine the hardest part of grieving is not having your person close physically to sense his presence and hear his voice. Peace to you, my friend.
Carol wishing you much strength and solace as you move through this renewal journey, and sending you springtime's hope and hugs for new beginnings, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCarol, It takes such strength to rise up every day out of sorrow and live, not merely exist, and your beautiful "Strength's Journey" , especially "inside minds yearning for renewal" shows how a path forward starts with hope and faith. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteI find this line of your poem so true for me:
ReplyDeletestrength resides
inside hearts
filled with faith
I feel God's presence in my heart. I pray you will as well as you release your grief. Your counseling sounds like a wonderful way to continue your journey with healing.
Carol, I love that song is playing a part in your healing journey. Thank you especially for sharing that playlist, which I will share with others. xo
ReplyDeleteCarol, we don't always realize our own inner strength until we are faced with seemingly insurmountable problems. We find that strength deep within ourselves and through the caring of those around us. I am reminded of the 7 Sorrows of Mary rosary which I recite daily and part of the prayer for the 2nd Sorrow. " Beloved Mother, who has suffered so much, give to us your courageous heart. Please pray for us to have strength so that we can be brave like you and accept with love the suffering God sends our way." https://www.immaculee.com/pages/7-sorrows-rosary-prayer Bob
ReplyDeleteCarol: Thank you for this thoughtful and heartfelt post. I am holding you in prayer. The road of grief is unpredictable. Some days easier than others. I pray that you will experience some easier days. That every breath will fill you with light. That your strength will return and your soul will find peace. God bless.
ReplyDeleteSending you light today, Carol, as the weather finally begins to turn toward spring. "Strength's Journey" is lovely and wistful.
ReplyDeleteHi Carol, I can hear your struggle. I'm glad you are finding comfort in song, faith, and family and friends near and far. Have you heard the song "The Gathering of Spirits" by Carrie Newcomer? You might like it. xo
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your journey restoring wellness in body, mind and spirit. Good to hear you are benefiting from communications with your bereavement counselor as well as finding strength and support from family, friends, reading, and music. Keeping you in my heart as you meet each day with determination and purpose.
ReplyDelete