Silver Linning!

With all experiences in life I have come to learn there is always something positive to gain from even what seems to be a negative experience. A passing of someone so dear and loved, a relationship that breaks up, a child who leaves home for the first time, a family member who leaves to live in another country, all of these seem challenging at the time and in most ways they are, and yet I see the other side of each experience too. The opportunity for that some one dear to no longer be in pain and be in a better place, a relationship that ends so we get the chance to fall in love again, a child venturing into to the world as their own person, family that may have better prospects or life style in another country, how exciting!!!

I think it is mainly how we personally feel and react to our experiences in our lives which determine how we chose to relate to what is happening. With my Dad's passing I am really truly only sad for me and the rest of the family as we will miss his physical body not being here with us as we are so used too. I am not sad for my Dad at all as I know he is no longer in pain, he is no longer worrying about his health and going into a home due to disability, he is no longer frustrated as he can't do all the things he wanted to as his body was failing him, he is in a place now where he can be an incredible source of guidance and support for all of us in a way he was not able to do during his life time on earth.

So this brings me onto what happens now......what lessons, what strength, what meaning can we take from such challenging experiences that are so bitter sweet? Here are the main things for me that have really come to my attention through this experience:

• I appreciate all the great times I had with my Dad and cherish those with my Mum now
• My life has a new direction, a new meaning of gratitude and love more than before
• To always be honest and caring to those you love including yourself
• To enjoy every day just as it unfolds and not be thinking of the past or the future
• To see your parent not just as a parent but as a person too
• Express your love as often as you can 
• That time is the most precious gift of all 

Now I am finally ready to take on the next phase of my life with gratitude and love for the wonderful lessons my Dad taught me in this life and will guide me in the next phase of my own life.  x