I once attended a workshop called “How to Make Your Comeback”.

And, frankly, it was terrible. 

The woman leading it was dressed in a cheesy football jersey and only offered “wisdom” through obvious football metaphors.

I was in a season of life where the kind of encouragement I needed was raw storytelling and empathy.

Maybe you’ve been there before, too.

Over the last few years, I’m blessed to share, my life has been on the rebound and rise, but not because of any tangible victory in my external life.

No, I’ve found peace on the inside.

And I want to share with you what I’m learning.

Pain is 100% unavoidable – no matter what products you buy or who you choose to love.

Because, the truth is, no good thing lasts.

Jobs change.
Hearts evolve.
And people leave this world.

But what sustains me now is an entirely different way of viewing life:

It’s going to hurt, so don’t be mad or surprised when it does.

Study the pieces.

Collect the lessons.

And walk through the door…when you’re ready.

That last part is important, so let’s linger there.

If you prematurely try to “make your comeback”, you are going to miss the process that’s wrapped up in the pain.

And you’ll never fully heal.

Or, you will proceed through the door only with the strongest desire of your life to turn around – desiring to linger where you no longer can.

Grief after loss is in no way linear, but we can never re-make the decisions we’re making in this moment.

So, some time will be spent with tears and sadness as your friends.

So, some time will be spent with frustration and confusion as your friends.

So, some time will be spent releasing the reality you once knew finger by finger.

But even when the world feels as if it is crashing.

You are becoming human.

And the best news is that loss doesn’t capture our strength forever.

For when we can love ourselves enough to let go, our heart doesn’t fall apart.

I swear, it becomes a little more whole. 

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