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Grief is a Gift

Jan 18, 2016

Grief is a Gift

It's going on 7 months since the accident and ever since the new year I have had a new bout of energy that led to this blog. It is kind of odd if you think about it. Nothing is really that different now that it's 2016 instead of 2015, but the psychological aspect of it being a new year and the possibility of new beginnings gives us hope. New year, new me. Right? The craziest part for me is that I am truly different.

For the first 6 months, it was a rare day if I did not cry. Some days it was only for a few minutes, other days it was nonstop. There were days I wished I had died in the accident. Since 2016 started, I have shed significantly less tears. I am finding motivation I wish I had back in college! How is that possible? Is it really the idea of it being a new year that is encouraging me to be better? Or is it that I'm finally becoming okay with my grief?

Grief is a wild emotional response. As human beings we may not share the same experiences, but we do share the same emotions. Grief is one that brings us together, but it also creates uncomfortable situations for people who do not know how to react. It is hard trying to comfort someone who is grieving, especially if you have never experienced it yourself. Even if you have experienced it, it can still be difficult! Each person grieves differently, but how amazing is that? We take a universal emotional experience and make it our own without even trying. It is a painfully beautiful part of being human, that we are able to love someone or something so deeply that their absence leaves us in a pit of sorrow.

The guy who cleans our gutters every year stopped by this morning and asked if my dad was around. I told him he passed away this past summer, and immediately I could see the sadness in his eyes. It is truly amazing how our hearts go out to people we barely know. Tragedies are horrible, yes, but at least they inspire closeness. After he left I broke down for a few minutes. I do not think it will ever matter how much time has passed...actually speaking the words that my dad is dead will never be easy. But you know what? I am okay with that. I am becoming okay with my pain because it is a physical reminder of how special, beautiful, and deep my love is for him. I may not be able to talk or laugh or hug him anymore, but he is here with me. I would not feel this amount of pain if his love was not still with me.

I think I am becoming okay because yes, 2016 started with a promise of new beginnings. But the strength I am mustering is coming from within. I never thought I would feel this way again, especially only after 6 months. I have a pure excitement for life! I needed to grieve and veg out with the television for months because it helped me heal. But our time here is precious. LIFE IS A GIFT! Brilliant, incredible, overwhelming and heartbreaking at times, but a beautiful gift nonetheless. I am choosing to let my pain make me better. I am accepting it without judgment and feeling it when it comes.

If you are in a hopeless place, I promise you life gets better. No matter how dark your world is right now, it will not stay that way. I know what that feels like...to be so numb that even the things that should bring you joy cannot. But I am telling you, do not give up on life. If you give it a chance, life will show you happiness and beauty you never knew existed.

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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treat. This information is based on research and knowledge by the author, and the ideas are not intended as substitute for medical advice. As with any products it is suggested that you check with your medical practitioner prior to use. The author disclaims any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of any products mentioned herein.

7 comments - Share Your Thoughts

  • Melanie |

    I love that you have chosen to share this with us all. Your words give me inspiration. Thank you for being you.

  • Virginia Downey |

    Beautifully put Schmidty. I get it. I am learning to become okay with my grief too. Your words touched my heart.
    Thanks. Love.

  • Lindsay Shore |

    I’m still learning to deal with my dad’s death and it’s been 12 years. I applaud you with your strength and courage to share your story. You have inspired
    me so much and put things into perspective :)

  • Martha |

    Kaylie,
    My name is Martha and I am dear friends with Catherin and Sarala. I am also Ben’s mom and I know you and Ben and Sarala were in school together at NWSA. I can’t help but be deeply moved by the love, courage and centeredness reflected in the thoughts you so eloquently share in your blog. Please know that others, unknown to you perhaps, knew of what happened and have been holding you and your family in the Light from afar. I do know, for reasons of my own that Sarala can share with you, the challenges our souls encounter and the importance of the ongoing journey to mindfulness. I can only say that your sharing is also a gift. I don’t think the grief ever leaves us fully, it just becomes a constant companion that we learn to accept and walk with…a part of who we are and there is a blissfulness and odd comfort to it for it reminds us of the enormity, constancy, and depths of our love. A beautiful new normal emerges like a phoenix from the ashes. I continue to hold you in the Light…though now you know. Thank you for your blog and for the gifts I know you will bring forth into the world. Hugs.

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