How to Cope When Life Breaks Your Faith

We all experience challenging years in our lives. A family member dies, we lose our job, we have to move, or we go through a divorce. Sometimes, it feels like it’s all happening at once. These events can happen to the best of us, and they often lead to a time when the life we once dreamed of falls apart unexpectedly, leaving us with nothing but grief amidst catastrophic loss.

In such moments, many people can fall into a deep depression. It isn’t just one event that causes the pain; it is the accumulation of multiple losses that shatters any sense of hope for the future. Everything becomes clouded by the negative experiences we have endured, making it hard to see the good in others or to trust that life will work out for us. This aftermath of loss can linger for months or even years if we do not address our emotional pain.

So, how can one cope when life hurts us?

1. Acknowledge the Pain: The first step is to recognize the pain rather than pretending it isn’t there. Ignoring pain can manifest in various ways, such as disrupted sleep, distressing dreams, or inappropriate anger. Journaling can help process emotions, talking to a trusted friend or therapist can provide support, and taking long walks while listening to calming music can be therapeutic. Medication may also offer temporary relief while you navigate deeper feelings. It’s essential to allow emotions to pass through you rather than suppress them. 

2. Honor Your Experiences: Create a ceremony to honor your experiences and the memories associated with them. Thank your loved ones for their presence during your life, express gratitude to your job for the support it provided, and acknowledge your partner for the time spent together. 

3. Recognize the Wisdom Gained: Reflect on the wisdom you have gained from your losses and experiences. Consider what you would do differently if you could go back in time. What prevented you from fully appreciating what you had? How will you move forward and live more intentionally?

4. Be Open to the Next Chapter: It is crucial to resist the urge to assume that life and its people will continue to hurt you. The future is unwritten and often holds wonderful blessings hidden within its timeline. You will find new communities, friends, partner, and work.

5. Manifest and Rebuild Your Life: Once you have processed and accepted that things have changed, it’s time to reprogram your emotions and thoughts. Create a vision board, make new friends and connections, and spend time with those who remain in your life. Evaluate what work suits you best and brings you joy. Start a captivating art project or learn a new skill. All of your experiences, both good and bad, contribute to shaping your present self. Ask yourself: Who are you now? Who do you want to be? Focus on that vision.

Coping with significant life changes and losses is a journey that requires time and intentionality. By acknowledging your pain, honoring your experiences, recognizing the wisdom gained, remaining open to new opportunities, and actively working to rebuild your life, you can navigate through the darkness and emerge with renewed strength and purpose. Remember, it is possible to find hope and joy again, even in the aftermath of profound loss.