Coping with Loss

We all deal differently with coping loss. And, there are many different losses that we can experience during our lifetime. We will all at  some point or another deal with the loss of a loved one (friend or family). Some of us experience financial loss, job loss, or the loss of a home. We may face a loss of a beloved dog or cat, or we might face a loss in identity when we learn new ideas or beliefs.

It is okay to cry and let your feelings out rather than letting it bottle up and result in a chaotic episode of anger or sadness. Sometimes, we need a good cry. Other times, we just need someone to lean on and to have listen to us. Others prefer to not talk about the situation and to just move on with their life.

I’m sure a lot of people are curious about this third group of people, how they can get over loss so quickly. The answer is that it is dependent on your mindset. If you can accept that loss occurs and that there is nothing we can do about it, then you have succeeded in the first step of radical acceptance. With radical acceptance, you are aware of your current reality without subjecting to harmful or negative behaviors. Rather, you learn to accept where you are and to move on with that knowledge you’ve gained from that event which you perceived to be negative.

With the loss of loved ones, you can reframe your mind to believing that they are in a safe place. When it is your time to go, you may reunite with them on the next plane or stage of life. Others may feel as if these loved ones are protecting them and taking care of them as angels. Or, they imagine that this person would like for them to live a fulfilling life rather than dwelling in sadness. This all depends on your spiritual or religious beliefs, but all of these beliefs believe in something more than just our current life with your continuous stream of consciousness. When you can accept this kind of reality, you are able to cope with the loss of a loved one faster.

A financial loss (or materialistic loss) can be devastating for those who worked hard to reach a certain level of income and independence from the working system, especially for those who trade hours for dollars. You can learn to take it as a lesson by seeing when and where the loss occurred. Learn from your mistakes quickly, and build up wealth again by investing in different areas or pursuing multiple streams of income. Read financial books. Turn the lesson into a blessing, not dwelling on what we cannot fix but rather what we can do next to prosper and flourish. This is the mindset of an entrepreneur, and it is a useful way for not getting so attached to materialism, but to grow from it.

Sometimes, we experience a loss in identity. This can be due to changes we experience in our lifetime. Sometimes, it’s because we seek newer more fulfilling friendships (or relationships), or because we are seeking for adventure versus the daily 9-5 grind. Sometimes, it’s due to wanting to try out a new career. If this is you, you can dive into growth and happiness just by pursuing activities you’d love to try (such as Zumba or learning how to play the piano).

Some people are not able to cope with loss just as quickly. But if you are a conscious being, you can learn how to cope with loss more efficiently. You can learn how to master your mindset, to learn the lessons, and to move on. but even if you need to get a good cry out or express your anger, try to do so constructively and to not let your circumstances dictate your mood. You are worthy of happiness and love. <3