Blog The Next Step

I was talking to a friend who’d stopped to pick up a couple of copies of my latest book. Neither of us are spring chickens anymore and we’ve both been through rough waters in our lives. We’ve dealt with loss and health issues and more. Those circumstances take a toll on a person, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

She spoke of her last health issues that left her drowning in hurt and sadness, especially considering she still deeply grieved the loss of her dear husband. I am thankful I still have my husband, but in the last couple of years, I have lost a brother, a brother-in-law, and my father-in-law—none to covid and all unexpected. It hurts. Add that to both my husband's and my health issues, grief and/or pain and limitations can send one spiraling into depression.

There are times we all need someone to talk with and sometimes that person may be a health care professional. I have learned to appreciate these counselors since my daughter became one. My friend agrees, but also said moving on is a choice, sometimes a very hard choice, but still a choice. Sharing our heart with someone is a start to letting go. Books on grieving can be helpful. Simply choosing to get up each day can be a start in the right direction.

Then it is getting dressed. Getting out of the house. It is calling, texting, and emailing when one needs a friend. It can also be praying, being willing to ask for God’s help, or even yelling at Him. Anger is a stage of grief from loss or difficult circumstances.

It is also choosing to realize you are not alone and others, too, suffer, providing an opportunity to reach out. No one grieves or moves on in the same way, and what she concluded may not be pleasant or easy but is nonetheless true. Moving on is a choice and if we chose to simply do the next right thing, take the next step, we’ll make it through.

(c) 2022 Carolyn R Scheidies

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