Against All Odds: A Parable of the Salmon’s Journey

Grief can feel like you’re swimming against a relentless current, much like the salmon’s journey upstream. The rocks, the swift currents, even the ever-watchful bears seem to stand between the salmon and its destination. Against all odds, the salmon continues to push forward, a force of nature driven by the instinct to survive and fulfill its purpose.

Similarly, when we are in the depths of grief, life feels like a constant struggle against forces beyond our control. Each step feels harder than the last, and the weight of sorrow can make even the smallest tasks seem insurmountable. Yet, if you are in the land of the living, it’s still a good day—a day filled with the possibility of choice.

Though it’s hard to believe at times, we do have a choice, even when grief clouds our ability to see it. The actionable steps that lead to recovery are not always grand or immediate. Instead, they begin small, like the salmon pushing against the current with slow, deliberate effort.

One way to navigate this journey is to tell yourself what you desire—something small and attainable. This isn’t about setting lofty expectations; it’s about making choices that feel within reach. If getting out of bed feels impossible, start by saying, “Today, I’m going to fix my hair.” Or, “I’m going to put on something nice to wear.”

These might seem like minor decisions, but when grief grips us tightly, they are victories. Sometimes, just getting out of bed feels like swimming upstream against the strongest current, but even that small step is progress. Each step, however small, creates momentum. And like the salmon, you build the strength to keep going, even when it feels like the odds are stacked against you.

Take each step one at a time, and embrace that moment with all of yourself. Focus on just that one thing, even if it’s for a few fleeting moments, because those moments will start to add up. The current may be strong, and the obstacles many, but like the salmon, your persistence will carry you through.

It all starts with one choice, one small, actionable step on the road to recovery. You can do it—just like the salmon against all odds.

In Closing: As a Certified End-Of-Life Coach and an advocate for inspiration leading to motivation, I also understand and acknowledge that sometimes, when our grief is so grand, we may need medical attention. I want to disclose that I am not a medical professional. If you find yourself in a situation where even the simplest of choices feels impossible, I encourage you to take that first step and seek medical help. You deserve the support and care you need on this journey.

Copyright ? 2024 Patricia Freudenberg, Certified End-of-Life Coach.? All Rights Reserved.

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