Equation of Loss & Gain

We experience many forms of loss throughout our life’s journey, the ones most challenging to turn into gain and referred in this article are the ones of intangible nature. The big question is, can we truly gain something from a loss, such as of trust, self-confidence, hope, honor, comfort level?

The supposition that I am offering is there is always a positively inveterate opportunity to gain. And… gain we must!

To honor our commitment towards one’s own advancement, it is truly essential that we devote our energies on emphasizing on the gain. It is universally understood that first reaction to any kind of loss is generally deep sense of deprivation. To clarify further, someone having gone through successive professional failures may find flood gate opening to many negative thoughts, that they are not deserving of the success thereby experiencing loss of confidence. Internal dialogue of this kind taking root in the consciousness adds to the feeling of loss, accentuating it further which sometimes even manifests into physical pain in extreme cases. The real hard work commences in the first stage of experiencing loss, for some people it may complicate it further due to their lack of preparedness, having low self-worth or having no positive guidance and support system which may exaggerate their suffering tremendously, leaving them lost metaphorically.?

As children or young adults, we are either shielded from facing such setbacks, majority receive no training or tools to manage such situations, and certainly if one has a psychological predisposition to see life as glass half empty it will be the hardest one to overcome. Wow! What now……sense of loss multiplying. The ‘gain’ comes from a sense of finding the learning from such losses. People having glass full approach towards life would find it easier, inevitably attending to why, what, and how of the loss bringing keen and thoughtful understanding of their contribution, managing emotions, external factors, perceptions, and other relevant elements helping them to truly embrace the experience.

The insights I have gained from my own experience is ‘simply to find the starting point’, first step if you will. It has to be a single thought of hope in the midst of the abyss, even if it sounds preposterous at first. To elaborate it further, going through feelings of loss example of someone’s trust, perhaps of a best friend; one thought whisperings quietly in your mind could be ‘Ignore the proof but trust the gut feeling’.

Hold on to this one positive thought against all odds and it will act as an anchor to build you a boat.

Then move on to the next course of discoveries such as the part you played, root cause, defining moments, blind spots perhaps and rest of the pieces to derive at gainful conclusions. The key is definitely gaining access to that ‘one single thought’ which once harbored, more would naturally follow. It is the strangest phenomenon but having unequivocal proof in the study of human mind already. Yes, it is a quantum leap; most acceptable familiar version is ‘leap of faith’ in the face of adverse condition. Also, it goes without saying but professional help should be sought based on the ?sense of wellbeing for individuals going through more intense state, which may hamper ability to function in the normal capacity.

Our mind’s expansion through these experiences is of immeasurable value to us in preparing us well for turning more losses to gains. To name a few; courage, ability to help our future selves, applied learnings, improved self-esteem, confidence will act as assets to collectively shape the quality of life we would lead. Clarity of thoughts, to laser focus our ability in developing true understandings of the losses faced, catapults us by equipping us to act from a place of strength. After all when everything is done and dusted....

Gain is nothing but an advantage we acquire by assigning meaning & purpose to the moments which are characterized as loss but truly are the building blocks of our evolution as individuals.

My biggest hope is that we continue to tilt the scale towards gain, where the equation of 'loss and gain' is in prominence thereby cementing our capacity to live life up to our true potential.?