Finding Strength From Community

I feel like there's been a lot of grief lately. I know someone going through a journey of losing a person from this world~it's been a public journey as they are well-known in our town. We as a community have been updated at least weekly on the ups and downs of illness, treatment successes and devastating disappointments. It is all coming to a conclusion that no one wanted. Yet we all continue to uplift this person and family through prayer and love. Feeling hopeless has become the norm but as we learn to accept what will be, the love continues. While we cannot "fix" the pain of loss, we can keep loving them all through the next part of this transitional journey.

There truly is strength in numbers and hope in community.

Together

Last week my podcast guest spoke about grief and the journeys we all will take during our life. While grief is not the most popular topic to speak about, this was a very enlightening conversation for me personally. We usually think of grief related to death and dying but loss can come in other ways too. Sometimes you may not realize you are grieving a loss until someone makes a comment or you come to the realization on your own.

You can grieve the loss of a life you expected but know won't come to be. It could be a career you wanted but now know it isn't going to happen. It could be the loss of a relationship.

The way we grieve and what we grieve can be unique to each of us. My loss may not be as meaningful to you but that doesn't make it "less" for me. Loss of anything hurts and needs to be felt and acknowledged.

Having a community of others around us when we need it can be a huge help in this process. Even if you have a community of one or two, that may be all you need. Knowing they are there may be enough. If you are in a grief process now, look around and see those who are there-the people praying for you, the people offering help-feel their love surrounding you. Maybe just knowing you are not alone is enough for now.

Writing this post I now realize is a way to help me work through the grief process mentioned at the beginning. Writing thoughts out on paper (yes I still write on paper) helps me acknowledge feelings and understand them better. If you've never tried it before, maybe it's time. I am not an expert on this topic but I hope that sharing what I have learned may help someone else.

If you are feeling alone and want some help, please reach out to your community. If you are looking for help with your mental health, please text 988 or chat with 988lifeline.org to communicate with someone who can help you in crisis.

Until next time, take care of your beautiful self!

~Kim~