Coping with tragedy

Tragedies are heartbreaking and disturbing for all of us. They may affect us directly or
indirectly, but most will break us to the point where we feel that life is worthless. We can
only cope with them because we cannot undo the bad things that happen to us. These are
some suggestions that could take you through these trying times.

1. Give yourself some pace

You might be devastated; you may still be in a total state of shock; your mind might not be in
a position to make sense of whatever is happening; you may be having trouble focusing. You
need to slow down. Take it easy and breathe.

2. Pause, come up for air.

You might need to turn everything off and rest. It is very exhausting for all of us when
everything fails to make sense. This is because our minds are always in a search mode where
we replay every situation we’ve passed through while trying to see if there is a way we could
undo what happened.

3. It might be time to give yourself some patience

It is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed by a situation. Healing is a step by step process.
Your being will be in a struggle to grasp a sense of events. Accepting a situation is very
difficult, but you need to face the reality so that your inner self can reconcile with what
happened.

4. You might have no power to control the situation, you need to forgive yourself for
that

At times, you find out that no matter how smart, faithful or loving you are, you have no
power to control anything you are experiencing. Try giving in to the situation rather than
resisting it. You might find some peace this way.

5. Let go of all the weaknesses you think you have

Stop judging and blaming yourself. Remember to be gentle with yourself while you process
the painful experience.

6. Make sure you are surrounded by supportive people

They can make the difference between a broken you and a loved, lively, and cared for you.
Do not let shame or fear stand in between you and people who care for you.

7. Exercise self-care

Probably you haven’t felt the need to show yourself any form of kindness, understanding,
encouragement or gentleness in the past. Your mind and soul will want that kind of treatment
during trying times.

The time to summon all strength and courage has come. The events may have broken your
heart into countless pieces, but this is the moment of truth. It is within you to rise out of those
ashes because there is a lot of joy at the other end of this.

We become better versions of ourselves and write new editions of our lives when we practice
the above suggestions.