Moving on after a tragedy occurs may be one of the most difficult things anyone will ever have to face. Situations which are beyond our control happen. We and our loved ones sometimes contract serious illnesses, or fall victim to crime, and in the worst of circumstances, suffer death. Here are some ways to move on and take control of your life again.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
Ignoring your feelings after a tragedy happens means you’ll never truly get over them. Allow yourself to face them so those negative emotions don’t affect you later on in life. Write down your feelings and cry if necessary. Let your friends and family know what happened. Tell them your needs and feelings honestly so they understand you. Speak to a church pastor or other spiritual person if you’d like. Don’t let fear of loss hold you back from living life to the fullest.
Socialize with People
Don’t let isolation force you to descend further. Go back to society and socialize again with friends and family. Do hobbies you enjoy, go back to work, and do normal activities. Try volunteer work such as tutoring children, cleaning up the environment, or adopt an animal from a shelter. Giving service to others can make you more positive and feel inspired by your own good deeds. According to Prevail Intervention, when people are addicted to substances, they can become antisocial and avoid hanging out with friends and family. When this is so, when recovery comes along and people get better, recovering addicts can be rather lonely. Making efforts to socialize with people through service can be a great way to start integrating yourself into society again.
Take Care of Yourself
Your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health are your top priority. Eat healthier and exercise. Practice self-improvement and work on confidence and any trust issues which may arise. See a trusted therapist if needed. Take care of yourself because everyone deserves to live a better life.
Use Spirituality for a Better You
At this point, you may benefit from some aspects of spirituality into your daily routine. Your past may have involved sexual abuse, drug addiction, or alcohol abuse among other serious issues. It’s important not to blame yourself for any hurt which happened to you. You’re only human and no one is perfect. Spiritual techniques such as prayer, meditation or yoga can help you calm your mind, body and spirit.
Seek Justice
Tragedy and crime can be devastating to families, and victims are often left with lingering emotional difficulties and trauma. Though pursuing legal means will not necessarily heal your heart, it will help bring closure to any loose ends, bring perpetrators to justice, and help in closing painful chapters of life. It may also protect others from experiencing the same pain you have experienced.
Learn to leave the past behind by letting feelings out in a healthy way and commit to self-improvement. Have a positive mindset and don’t let your past hold you back. Tragedy happens but better memories can once again take place if you hold on to hope and use coping strategies to move forward.