HELPING OTHERS THROUGH LOSS OF LIFESTYLE

HELPING OTHERS THROUGH LOSS OF LIFESTYLE

Many people are living through their own personal grief right this very moment because they are dealing with a loss of their lifestyle due to an illness or injury or death of a loved one that has turned their world upside down and inside out.  For those dealing with illness or injury, precious time has been lost going to medical appointments, treatments, running tests, waiting for results or just being in the state of wait not knowing if things will change.  For those dealing with death, lifestyle has completely changed. 

On top of trying to deal with their situation, the loss and grief drains and depletes them from having the energy to stay focused or feel good.  Overwhelming feelings of grief and loss pervades living today because life has morphed from planning next events and gatherings with family and friends into being swallowed up by the depths of uncertainty, being dependent on others, waiting, worry, depression, anxiety, listlessness and fear.

We can’t step into their shoes because they are the ones wearing them.  They are just trying to put one foot in front of the other attempting to move forward during the recovery process.  The reality is we aren’t going through what they are going through mentally, emotionally, psychologically, physically or spiritually.  We can only imagine what they are going through.  

How can we help them through the myriad of feelings and lifestyle changes they are experiencing? Definitely not by assuming how we would handle their situation and advise them to do what we think would be the best for them.  They are not you and you are not them.  The greatest help and way to support them is to take the time to listen to them…deeply listening to what they are saying and feeling about what is happening to them.  You don’t have to try to fix them or the situation.  Unfortunately, you can't anyway.  Never try to overpower them with your advice or stop listening to them by taking over the conversation with your own experiences.  And don’t get angry with them if they need more time or didn’t heed your unwarranted advice.   Just BE...

                                                    Just BE a fountain of space and grace. 

Just BE the gift of presence.  

Just Listen.  Listen.  Love.  Love.  

Just simply BE with them.  Just simply be with.  Just simply be.  Just BE.

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."  James 1:19


For more information visit https://www.chaplainmary.net/
Or check out my book:

https://www.amazon.com/Skirting-Thin-Veil-Meaningful-Life-Changing

Photo by Chaplain Mary

Dedicated to Terry G


Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 20, 2024 at 9:18 AM

    Thank you! For following, for going through what you are going through. It's hard but you will get through it. My heart is with you.

    ReplyDelete

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