Dealing with loss: a new way to approach closed doors

 

Open doors are often viewed as gateways to fresh opportunities. Conversely, we might assume a closed door denotes an end. However, I read an article recently that describes doors in an expanded light: closed doors can also signify new beginnings. When a metaphorical door is closed in our lives, and we accept it as our new reality, we grant ourselves permission to grow in other areas. Perhaps you’ve experienced a closed door through the loss of a friendship, hope or health. Rather than mourn the end, I believe it’s healthier to carve out space to reconnect with or rediscover the spark of your truest self. This may be revealed in your sacred place—through a creative outlet or a commune with nature, meditation or a mini-getaway. Allow the door to your heart to remain open. Resume living. And trust that, although your path might look different than you’d imaged, it can lead to a new beginning if you allow it.

What door has recently closed in your life?

Photo courtesy of Master isolated images at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

How to adopt a new mindset

In a recent post, 4 tips to reclaim your get up and go, I suggest splurging on yourself to (re)summon your purpose. You might ask: How does purchasing a pair of sassy summer sandals help me snap out of my motivation-less mindset? I adopted this very suggestion myself, and I’m happy to report it went a long way toward improving my spirit. I may not have located my get up and go, but the act of simply leaving the office mid-day with my colleague, to laugh and shop together, infused my attitude with gratitude. I returned to work with a lighter spirit—albeit a lighter bank account—but also with renewed excitement for a getaway lined up next month, as well as a couple writers’ learning opportunities around the corner. I might even take a mental health day soon to revisit my passion and ensure I’m still heading in the right direction. It’s no wonder I feel a bit more empowered.

How will you adopt a new mindset?

Image courtesy of aechan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

4 tips to reclaim your get up and go

 

My get up and go left the building. Although I consume plenty of fluids, catch about seven hours of Zzzzs nightly, exercise 8-10 hours weekly and take my daily vitamins, I’m still exhausted. The problem is motivation: it’s nonexistent. I used to get excited to go to work, yet now I can barely summon the energy to spend eight hours parked in front of my computer each day. I like what I do, but it no longer feeds my passion. Sound familiar? Here are four tips to help you (re)summon your purpose:

• Shake it up. Take a day off from your normal routine.
• Splurge on yourself. Even if it’s just a frozen yogurt (and remember to add toppings).
• Plan a getaway. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just a locale where you can recharge your battery.
• Revisit your passion. Where do see yourself in one, five, 10 years? If you’re not going in the right direction, change your course.

How do you reclaim your get up and go?

Image courtesy of aechan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Give it your all

[Image credit: Stuart Miles]

I ran into my neighbors a week ago and learned they’re moving back to Minnesota — their hometown and mine — and secured an apartment in the same city where my best friend and a lot of my family resides.  Although I get back twice a year for visits, the goodbyes prove harder each time.  Oh how I wish I could be in two places at one time.  Or three or more.  But my employer depends on me to do my job.  My family counts on me to manage the household.  I’ve started getting more involved in my community and I’m expanding my friendships … which means I have multiple commitments in my own back yard.  A recent getaway really opened my eyes, however.  Even though I can’t be in two places at one time, I can give 100 percent wherever I am.   It’s not always easy, but at least I can give it my all.

If you could be in two places at one time, where would that be?

When one door closes

[Image credit: nattavut]

When one door closes another door opens, but we so often look
so long and so regretfully upon the closed door,
that we do not see the ones which open for us.
~ Alexander Graham Bell

I’ve been looking forward to this evening all week.  Although I’ll be saying goodbye to a dear friend — someone who has played an integral role in my life over the past eight years — later on I’ll be saying hello to a new friend who I actually met through the first lady.  Thanks to social media, it will be easy to remain in touch with my cross-country friend so that door will never be completely closed.  And as for my new friend, I’m excited for a girls’ weekend getaway.  I wish that gaining one relationship didn’t mean losing the other, but I think that concept proves true with many of life’s bittersweet moments.  Perhaps it’s all about forfeiting one dream to gain something even better … in time.

Which door do you see?