Growing Through Grief: Dare To Dream

By Angela Clement

Have you just experienced a significant loss? Are you overwhelmed by the emotions that flood your being? Are you worried it will be this way forever? Do you wonder if you will ever live life in a joyful way ever again?

I know how impossible it feels to lose someone who used to bring the sunshine and joy to your days. I remember thinking the best part of my life might just be over. 

Then one day I heard the phrase “Post Traumatic Growth”. I wondered how growing out of an experience like this was even possible for anyone. Would it be possible for me?

The thought intrigued me. I started to get curious about how growth could happen and if it would lead me back to a fulfilling life I would love again. Even though I had no idea how, I hoped that I might find a way back to a fulfilled life and that this loss would not prove that my best days were behind me.  I wanted to be able to enjoy life again without always having the cloud of sadness that seemed to follow me everywhere, even in what would have once been joyful moments. 

What I didn’t know is just that tiny, little spark of curiosity about post traumatic growth started the ball rolling for me in a new direction and it created a momentum as I began to allow myself, even for brief moments, to dream of a life where I could be happy and free from the clouds of worry and sadness. Maybe I could build a new life or start a new chapter? I didn’t know it then but just that one curious thought was seen and heard like a prayer to a higher power. As I let myself become open to new possibilities, I found out I didn’t need to, nor could I, think myself through this. I felt the experiences were coming to me as I let myself relax a little and just be.  I met energy healers that opened up my mind and changed my perspective and I met a grief coach that inspired me and gave me the courage to face what I found terrifying. 

I didn’t know where my path was leading, but I trusted I would be able to get back to a life I loved. I also felt like I had been through the worst already so what did I have to lose?

Now, 3 years later, I look back and I see how the little bread crumbs have led me back to my joy again. I can see that I was working in partnership with a higher power and that I was never left to dream alone. All the desires and dreams for joy and happiness were seen and heard by the divine forces and they were reflected to me in my world by these unforeseen opportunities. I was fueled by my willingness to be inspired and recognizing how I wanted to feel. I allowed myself to imagine a life of joy and set some little intentions. 

You can dream about how you want to feel, take little steps and surrender the rest. Your job is to know your why and to just hold space for your dream. Then just seek joyful moments as you wait for the “how” to be revealed. Things seem to work out when you can allow yourself to let go of a particular outcome and keep sight on what you desire. I dare you to dream and have the courage to embrace what comes. We were all gifted the power of imagination. Epiphanies come when we allow ourselves to just do the things that feed our soul. What will you dare to dream?