R.A.D.I.C.A.L. Thoughts
"I learned that one can never go back, that one should not every try to go back -- that the essence of life is going forward. Life is really a one-way street, isn't it?" ~Agathe Cristie
I know during this holiday season, you are tempted to look back to what this time of year was like before your divorce. I know I did that. Even when I was well on my way to recovery, I yearned for the good days that were gone, and the despair I felt about their loss was an agony that's difficult to describe. But the simple fact is, you can't go back to those days except in your head. And if you spend too much time playing those head games and trying to somehow get back to that time or resurrect those days, you will miss out on what you have today. The past is past. Leave it where it belongs ... in the past. Grieve that loss, but don't try to bring those days back. They won't come back. Instead look at the beauty of today. Look at your Christmas tree right now. Bake some Christmas cookies and smell their wonderful aroma today. Give a big tip to the trash men. Take some toys to the Salvation Army. Do something today, now, this minute to appreciate exactly where you are. Do you have two eyes with which to see? Can you hear? Can you get in your car and drive to a destination you desire? Can you hug your big teenage son and tell him you admire him? Can you embrace your middle school daughter and tell her she is beautiful inside and out? Can you catch a cup of coffee with a friend during this busy time? I know you are still mourning what was. Mourn that fully, but even in that process understand that we are all in the process of moving forward. Today, look forward with the confident knowledge that this very day can be good, and what's ahead is promised to be even better.
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
If you're in the midwest, go to www.midlifedivorcerecovery.com and click on Empowering Events. Enroll in a Boot Camp today. That's one more thing that you can take advantage of to give you hope and a future!
