Transition From Old To New

As my husband and I began to focus on the positive aspects of what we really wanted in our lives, it turned out that what emerged as the most important thing had nothing to do with what we were grieving over having lost due to his illness such as golf, travel, a fast-paced life-style. For us, relationships - with each other, with our family, and with our friends - were at the top of our list of things that would bring us the fulfillment and life satisfaction that we wanted in whatever time we had left together.

The grace that came with the dramatic change in our lives was learning the wisdom of accepting that which cannot be changed, focusing on things that uplifted us, and savoring the change that occurred deep within both of us.

We knew clearly what we valued, and as we began living our values, we experienced the joy that comes with living in integrity with our values. Our thoughts, our words, and our actions were reflecting that which was most important to us. What a blessing that experience was for us. What grace.

The danger for all of us when we are in crisis is that the stress of the situation has the potential to feel so great that anxiety, depression, and despondency can easily take over. But, in these times of change, there is also an opportunity, and the opportunity is one of metamorphosis. Just as the caterpillar becomes encased in a chrysalis in which it actually liquefies before emerging as a graceful, beautiful butterfly, we too have to die to our old life. For only then can we make the transition from the person we were to the self of authentic wisdom, compassion, and true strength.

With greatest love and respect for you, Donna Daisy