The Healing Journey

Ever since Rachel died, I have had this fire in my belly about wanting to help others heal. I knew I had to do my own work so that I could fulfill on my purposeful intention. The Pathway of healing is a winding road that does not allow for many short cuts. However, in the end, I could honestly say "I grieved her well". The pain was excruciating but it is a reflection of the depth of my love.. The deeper the love, the deeper the cut. I could not believe how physical the pain was. And I was surprised how the grief tossed me around like I was at the whim of a tidal wave. At any given time, I could get taken down without warning. I remember someone saying that one day you will look at a little girl and it will bring a smile to your face and you will feel joy. Once I stopped the urge of wanting to scratch their eyes out, I nodded in false agreement knowing that would NEVER happen. There did not appear to be a light at the end of any tunnel in those dark days and it didn't matter what anyone said or did. It was a life sentence of despair in my mind.

My faith in meeting Rachel in heaven some day kept me going and something told me I had to fight. Part of me didn't want to let anyone down when so many people were pulling for me. It didn't stop me from wanting to die and planning my suicide, but there was something stronger really deep down inside that had me know I was not finished here and that this tragedy happened for some God forsaken reason that I would never understand. I knew myself as someone that "survived" And even though I didn't want to "survive" this, there was something inside me that wouldn't let me give up.

I have never worked so hard in my life as I did when I was on my healing journey.. Time does not Heal.. It is what you do with the time that heals your soul. Healing is a verb that implies action and there were many actions taken over the years.

What I know is that there is Life After Loss and that is the message I want to convey for those who are still hurting and even those who have healed, or those who are yet to experience loss.. Loss comes in so many different forms. It is not just the death of a loved one. Life happens and with Life comes Loss. Nobody escapes without being affected by loss. Loss of job, divorce, moving, pets, loss of trust, loss of childhood through abuse, loss of self esteem, retirement, empty nesters, loss of health or a limb, loss of mobility and on and on.

There does not seem to be any education out there to teach us how to lose and how to support others how to lose and I am passionate about teaching people and leading them to their own healing journey.

I will tell stories of my experience and the stories of others that have shared with me and those who have worked with me as a client. I am a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist with the Grief Recovery Institute. Our hearts connect by sharing our stories and when our stories are told, we are known... really really known. When we share, it provides a space to connect and creates an opening for love between people.

p.s. When I see a little girl it brings a smile to my face and brings joy to my heart.... REALLY!!!

Visit my website at www.thepathwaystoempowerment.com

Healing is Rediscovering the Beauty of Life

Cheryl