I’ve always been inspired by people who take their losses and create great gains; people who turn their personal misfortunes into a greater good.
Loss doesn’t have to be a death; it can be any life-altering trauma that leaves a person markedly changed forever.
Years ago there was John Walsh who, after the tragic kidnapping and murder of his son, created the milk cartons with pictures of missing children. He formed a huge organization and hosted a TV show for missing persons. He did it big.
People go on to form foundations/organizations as a way of helping others, creating change and honoring their loss.
Out of the ashes of grief comes forth new light. We all need that to illuminate our way back to the living. It reignites the sense of purpose and meaning when all seems futile and senseless.
Some go on to write books to try to come to terms with their loss; to piece together a life, a life of transcendence from adversity. The writing itself is cathartic and the impact upon others is hugely powerful.
Most people, as I’ve come to see in my professional experience in private practice, go on to reclaim meaning and purpose, once again, in a more private and individual manner. There’s no big new thing started but rather one’s own inner structures are called upon and illuminated in new ways. Inner strength is tapped into and possibly discovered for the first time, values and priorities are reset and heightened and living takes on new meaning. Oftentimes personal actions and events are set up to honor and memorialize the loss, such as fundraising events in all its various venues.
How have you restructured or rebuilt yourself through your challenges/losses?
I invite you to read through some of the interviews here of people who’ve taken their losses and done something with them to help others. This can be the best therapy of all – finding and passionately engaging in one’s raison d’etre. Their grief explodes into love as their lives, as well as others, are transformed by their causes.
To highlight a few:
Judy Shepard of the Matthew Shepard Foundation– set up in the aftermath of the murder of her son, the victim of a hate crime. Spreads the message of tolerance and respect of differences. Also wrote book, The Meaning Of Matthew.
Jeni Stepanek of theMattie Stepanek Foundation– set up in the aftermath of the death of her son. Spreads the message of peace. Also wrote book, Messenger
G-Na Casazza, filmmaker of One Fatal Mistake, – in the aftermath of her grandmother’s death from a drunken driver. Educates the public on this preventable, tragic problem.
Natasha Alexenko of the Natasha’s Justice Project– in the aftermath of her rape. Gets rape kits investigated at a faster rate to bring criminals to justice.
Natalie Taylor, author of the book, Signs of Life – in the aftermath of her husband’s death in a skateboarding accident.
Dan Habib, filmmaker of Including Samuel – on the inclusion of his son and other special needs children into our educational system.
These are just a few of the many interviews posted on this site. I hope they provide you with inspiration, hope and education on the many varied issues and challenges we face.
I also recommend you go to the blog Treatment Talk where Cathy Taughinbaugh has written a poignant post profiling nine parents who have gone on to do some wonderfully significant work as a result of their children’s addictions and subsequent deaths.
Thank you for stopping by. I’d love to hear if and how these interviews are resonating with you.
