“There’s a bit of magic in everything and loss to even things out.”- Lou Reed
“Although I have spent years training myself to reverse my own anxiety, I have only left survival mode in the last couple months and am learning what that feels like and to be comfortable fully trusting that I am and my children are taken care of. I am at my goal of better than fine- but I’ve never been here before. And while I know my work is in the interim of where I’ll end up, I am learning to appreciate where I am in the journey. It’s a wonderful and foreign place and I know this appreciation is also a practice, but it feels incredibly important. I don’t want to just say I am grateful, I want to fully feel it. I am whole without more, just as I am. I create as I choose. Peace is happening now if I allow it. Big revelation.”
I sent this text to one of my closest friends one morning after a particularly empowering meditation. Our daily conversations were always this deep, introspective and growth oriented. It felt good to write out my inner thoughts and fears and I was excited for every one of her heartfelt and insightful replies.
Her response…”That is incredible! I understand the angst of living in the now. Took me years of working hard at trying to change my patterns and reactions that I picked up as a result of living so many years with fear, angst and chaos. So Lynn, live it, breathe it, be it! You earned it! I’ve only known you a short time, but this has been the best year of my entire life. A year of learning, understanding and clarity, it’s been incredible sharing my thoughts, dreams and sorrows. Thank you. Thank you for what was, what is and what will be. I am so grateful for you! For your friendship, for your support, for your love, I’m the luckiest girl in the world.”
Five days later, after many more texts, and one evening of sharing our joy through our growing pains in person, my treasured friend died in her sleep. Unexpectedly for those who loved her, her soul exited peacefully and left an enormous hole in the hearts of her son, family and friends who relied on her unwavering strength and glowing light to keep us comforted and inspiring our own power.
I, for one, was devastated.
The peace I had felt a week prior was shattered. I felt nothing but shock, anger, confusion and a deep, deep sadness. But worst of all, I felt alone. Keep Reading...