Have you ever had to hold two opposite realities at the same time, one in each hand?
In one hand, Gain. In the other hand, Loss.
In one hand, Joy. In the other, Sorrow.
In one hand, Relief. In the other, Grief.
That’s the theme of Chapter 6.
It amazes me how any improvement – no matter how small – during challenging times instantly injects positive energy into the situation. Like when the sun breaks through the clouds, even if it’s momentary, suddenly everything looks better, brighter, and hopeful. That bit of positive energy can be the exact boost needed to keep going and face whatever awaits.
That’s the Gain aspect of Chapter 6 – the boost of strength to keep going.
The Loss deals with the death of my mother, Marie Lawson McGuire.
At that time, I experienced both simultaneously: Gain and Loss, Joy and Sorrow, Relief and Grief.
But somehow, they fit together.
Not only did the Gain help soften the pain of the Loss – I believe that the Joy and Relief I felt allowed me to fully experience Sorrow and Grief.
They didn’t cancel each other out.
They fully co-existed, side by side.
It wasn’t either one or the other.
It was both together.
And that’s perfectly OK.
There’s no guilt or shame involved.
At the Time:
When this was happening, all I could do was react to the events as they unfolded.
I didn’t give either situation much thought or reflection.
I just kept focused on what was in front of me.
What I’ve Learned Since:
I have learned that opposite realities can co-exist at the same moment in my life.
And on my best days, I have learned to ALLOW each reality to be what it is, and to be fully present to both.