By Nadine Briggs and Donna Shea
Sometimes life just feels extra heavy. Certainly, the mood of our country has held a heaviness for those people who feel uncertain about the future and changes that will happen with a new administration. Outside of the greater world, this week has been personally heavy on many fronts. In respecting the privacy of the people involved, I (Nadine) will write this blog deliberately light on details and specifics, but the topics that have been discussed this week alone include: drug addiction and death from overdose, domestic abuse, PTSD, cancer, eating disorders, illegal activity, bullying, threats of suicide and actual suicide.
What can one possibly do when there is that huge feeling of heaviness encircling us and pressing down on us day to day? These are extremely serious and real life topics and occurrences that cannot be avoided. There is no way of going around them. Your only choice is to move through them. When it is our turn to become faced with such painful issues, how we react will determine whether the trauma will debilitate us or strengthen us. Granted, when we are knocked back by any of these situations, the last thing any of us feel is strong. But given some time and a chance to process, we do come out of the fog with a choice to be made. We can let the heaviness get the best of us or we can take action to feel as though we can once again rise above it. What I have seen and experienced with those close to me who are in crisis, is how impressively each one has reacted to their situations in ways that embolden them enough lift the heaviness off of themselves and not let it take complete hold.
There are those who stand up against drugs even when their own pain of loss due to overdose is still so very raw. There is the mom who bravely leaves her abuser and stays away for her own safety and the safety of her children. The person with PTSD who finally makes that therapy appointment. Cancer screenings and biopsies that are terrifying and painful but are tolerated regardless. The different choice at each meal for the person with an eating disorder and the acknowledgement that a problem exists and that help is needed. The justice that is sought when illegal actions hurt others. The mom who files a formal complaint to stop her child from being bullied. Doing everything you can to let a suicidal person know that they are valued and loved, and when that option is violently and sadly taken away, reflecting on a life well-lived and acceptance that you may never know what drove him or her to that final choice. And for our nation, those who disagree are speaking up and letting their voices be heard.
In times when life is heavy, will you allow that to define you or help you find the strength that guides you through the cycle to the lighter times to follow?
