BE A WARRIOR

Are you brave? Are you a fighter? Are you a warrior? These questions may be difficult to answer. It’s not something we generally think about, perhaps only when faced with difficult situations in our lives. There are times when we need to be brave and face up to whatever emotional and internal battles are threatening us – be prepared to “fight the good fight”. Of course, that’s much easier said than done.

Millions of people are battling addictions, taking it one day at a time. They need to be conscious and aware of the pitfalls whilst in recovery. They need to be strong – taking it one day at a time.

Millions of people are struggling with illness, or the illness of a loved one, again taking it one day at a time. Determined to be strong, pushing all fears aside, their whole focus is on the person who needs care or healing.

Millions of people are struggling with grief – often caught unaware by the unexpected death of a loved one. Heartbroken, they can’t imagine being able to move on, or in any way assuage their grief.

People are suffering physically and mentally as war and natural disasters leave a trail of devastation in their wake, claiming the lives of their loved ones.

These are just a few of the situations that are happening around us daily. All these millions of people are warriors even if they’re not aware of it. Time will tell the tale of their courage and bravery.

“None of us knows what might happen even the next minute, yet still we go forward. Because we trust. Because we have Faith.” – Paulo Coelho

SOME TOOLS OF BATTLE

So how does one cope when your world seems to fall apart, when hope deserts you. You feel as if your heart is broken and full of splinters and you can’t imagine it will ever heal again. You feel as if your life is upside down and no-one can help you.

Courage will help you to face each day. Hold onto that courage. Imagine it’s a cloak protecting you.

One little piece of your heart heals. One splinter falls out.

Self-belief will remind you that you are strong and confident, capable of moving mountains. One little piece of your heart heals. One more splinter falls out.

Determination will help you move forward and propel you into positive action when you feel weak. One little piece of your heart heals. One more splinter falls out.

Ensure your tools of battle are well honed. Rest wherever you can. You need energy to take the next step.

″ ‘I’ve been through all this before,’ he says to his heart.

‘Yes, you have been through all this before,’replies his heart. ‘But you have never been beyond it.’”

Paulo Coelho – Warrior of the Light

GRIEVE

You are allowed to grieve – whether it’s the loss of a child, the loss of self, the loss of all that was right in your life, or seemed so. This grief is so raw and painful it will strip you to the bare bone. You can’t imagine feeling any other way. The journey back from grief is painful and not easy.

You may feel guilt at leaving it behind, but remember you’re not leaving it behind. You’re not forgetting. Instead, you’re allowing your grief to soften with all the love that comes from those around you, and allowing yourself to bathe in the soft memories that can never be taken away from you.

FAITH

For many people Faith in God and their daily supplications is what they need. It brings them comfort. When that same faith is shared with family and friends, it brings a wonderful strength and sense of hope no matter how brief.

Every prayer, every healing hug, every candle lit, slowly restores your broken heart. You are unaware of it and it may take years, but what’s important is that the healing process is taking place.

“For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20-21).

SELF BELIEF

Believing you can face whatever challenge has been thrown your way is the first step. It’s difficult not to question – Why me? Why did this happen? These initial feelings will soon fade from your mind, and you will be filled with an awesome inner self-belief that allows you to continue your journey.

Your first step into Grievers Anonymous, Alcoholic or Narcotics Anonymous, or any other support group – takes immense courage and self-belief. Hearing the stories of those people who have become warriors brings you to a new place in your life and makes you aware that you’re not alone and never were. Reaching out to each other, sharing, seeing the possibility of healing, perhaps not now but in the future. Hope begins to glimmer.

“Perhaps, I can do this.”

Believe it – you can.

SIMPLE DISTRACTIONS

Whatever battle you are undergoing and trying to win – remember, you will win. Being in a positive environment will enable you to view the world differently. Reading is a great distraction. Watching a good movie. Going for a walk or any other form of exercise. Perhaps that seems trite, but in order to win the battle, we need physical and mental strength.

A dear relative who recently lost her young daughter sent me this message.

“When I read your blog for a moment I forgot everything and was on the cruise with you.”

We all have a rhythm to our lives. When it gets disrupted we don’t know what to do. We feel as if we are lost in a maze and there’s no way out. Finding the way out takes time and patience. Create a mental picture of yourself as a warrior. Think about what your inner warrior would do and can do. Slowly, take one step forward, then another. Focus on where you are and not where you think you should be. One day at a time.