Reflecting on this past year may bring up painful memories for you. Some might feel fresh and raw and others more like a dull but persistent ache. It’s okay to remember and it’s okay to have those feelings.
You may feel like you’re expected to get on with life, to look to the new year, to let the past go… But how do you really feel, deep down where those outside expectations can’t reach? It’s okay to not feel ready to move on right now. It’s also okay if, despite your sincere desire and best efforts, you aren’t able to move on just yet.
As you take stock of past, I encourage you to consider that even the darkest times can contain sparks of light. And as you look to the future, remember that when you aren’t ready or able to let the darkness go, find some light to lighten your load.
One of the darkest times in my life was when my anxiety and panic were at their worst. A coping skill I used to deal with the sharp pain and then persistent ache of the memories, was to look for all the good things that I had experienced or that came out of that time. I would think about the amazing support of the people close to me, the unconditional love and boundless enthusiasm of my dogs, the beauty of the starry sky or the peace of a silent church. With more distance between me and the darkness I started to see one of the brightest spots – I survived something that so many others are quietly suffering through. This has put me in a position to provide truly empathetic support to anxiety-sufferers and coaching to anxiety survivors who are still gripped by endless worry.
Moving on is a process and we all have the right to do it at our own pace, so forget the expectations. Take your time and get the support you need for whatever it is that you can’t or aren’t ready to leave behind – just don’t forget to seek out the light as you go.
Wishing you light in your dark times and gentleness towards yourself.
Portal to Change 