This week I connected with a friend who is going through a difficult time. She acknowledged the sadness that she is feeling and the myriad of emotions that arise when one experiences loss and the uncertainty that accompanies an ending. Yet, she is choosing optimism over despair as she begins to envision opportunities that may come with the unfolding of this change. It is in this primordial time, when we can create space to step back and re-evaluate where we are in our lives, to listen deeply, breathe deeply… and let go of the pilings that may keep us from the exploration of new possibilities. To pause and let germinate what is about to be birthed, to listen in quiet, ever so gently, with kindness and self-nurturance.

She acknowledged that at times little thoughts of self-doubt arise momentarily but soon dissipate as affirming thoughts return. I love that my friend is so grounded. We talked about “going within to find our strength before we go out” and the importance of tapping into our internal guiding force. It is so important to honor and reverence what has been before we move on. To do less, diminishes the impact of our life experiences, the relationships we have forged and all that we have cherished along the way.  Change requires that we leave our comfort zone and stretch beyond ourselves.

I shared, “I recall times in my life, when it felt as though I was in a dark tunnel, as facing the unknown stirs up ambiguity. Yet, time and again, something positive has unfolded in embracing something new on my life journey. Looking back, we might say, who would have thought? Or, I never could have imagined things would have turned out like this…I feel so blessed. At that point, my friend recounted this wonderful story, “Several years ago I was on my way home and it was dark and raining. Fortunately my two kids were not in the car with me because I was in a car accident. This woman, a perfect stranger came out of nowhere and began to offer assistance and comfort, asking if I was okay, calling for help and staying with me until the ambulance came to take me to the hospital. Before being whisked away I asked her what her name was and how I might contact her to thank her properly later on. Guess what! I reached out and we became the best of friends. Our kids have grown up together and we still get together all the time. Such a blessing came out of such a difficult experience. I would never had met her if that accident had not happened.”

I am so grateful that my friend shared this beautiful story that lingers so sweetly.  It illustrates something I have come to appreciate. In every situation, no matter how difficult, there are good people who show up for us. They are the light bearers and Light finds a away in amid the darkest of times bringing hope, a gift of love and a reminder of the sacredness of our encounters.

Liz Sorensen Wessel
Photo by Liz