Trauma, Healing, Resiliency, and Gratitude

7 months ago life spiraled out of my control.

Never before (and I pray that never again), had I experienced such heart ache, fear, anguish, and despair.

If you've lost a loved one - specifically to suicide or attempted suicide, you know what I'm talking about.

Life as I knew it changed forever.

Not unsimilar to what we are all experiencing now with a worldwide pause.

Life is now different. It's weird. It's interesting.

Collectively, we are paving our way to a new existence, whether we acknowledge that or not, it's happening at a rapid pace. Deny it and you'll struggle more than you need to. Embrace it and you'll have some challenges but will soar beyond what you ever imagined possible.

We are being called to be at peace within ourselves and the world around us. The only constant in life is change.

We must not take anything for granted.

We must be kind.

We must forgive.

We must be open to light.

We must heal ourselves so that our children, and generations to come, can make their own mistakes without having to carry our baggage with them.

Adverse childhood experiences. Trauma. Unresolved hatred, bitterness and anger. Deep sadness. All of these things are toxic and they live in our body until we make a commitment to move through them.

We must make peace with our past. It's only then that we can valiantly move forward.

One of the most important ways to "rise up" is to focus on gratitude.

What do you have to be thankful for? Who do you have to thank? What experiences have helped shape you?

For me, it's all of you and what you've done for me/us this past year.

You helped us get through the darkest hours.

You held our hands.

You fed us.

You made sure we had what we needed to stay in our home and pay our bills.

You let me cry, scream, and question.

You let me journal and share my experience as it unfolded.

You stayed with me through it all.

I still have easily over 400 personal thank you notes yet to write. I'm working my way through those in time.

I know many of you are having a difficult time right now. I encourage you to ask for what you need. Protect yourself from dark energy and toxic people. Stand for what you believe in. Say yes to your personal/professional calling.

Know that I am here for you and I appreciate you!

We are in this together. We will rise up.

~ Karen