I always look at life as teacher, and right now life is in the process of teaching me (and several people I am close to) some painful lessons. Yet, in the midst of all this pain, I know I am being prepared for something far greater than I could ever expect or imagine. At least, that's how I choose to look at it. I know there are people who are put off by my enduring optimism, but I've lived the other options, and optimism is frankly the only one that makes sense.
I was recently struck by a quote by Lao Lzu--
"New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings…"
This couldn't be more true. Whether you've lost your love, a family member, or a pregnancy, I believe this heartbreaking endings are the start of something new. This is not to say that I don't lose site of this idea often--heartbreak is an unruly emotion-- but I always find myself coming back to it.
One positive note, I am consistently able to see my resilient spirit through this pain. Sometimes life has to remind me of how far I've come, of the battles I've won, the pain I've conquered-- all of which is far greater than this-- and then say "See? It's all for the better." This is not to say that it didn't hurt, or that it doesn't hurt, or that it shouldn't hurt-- sadness is a natural emotion, even though it's unpleasant-- but that on the other side of that pain you find you learned something new, you conquered a battle, and you are ready for bigger and greater things.
The last quote I'll leave you with has also struck a chord with my heart during this tumultuous time:
"Attitude is the little thing that makes all the difference."
