Sorry it has been a while since writing. I have gone through some major life changes in the past couple of months. I resigned from my 7-year career and moved from Southern Ca. to Northern Ca. For me, it was a decision that needed to be made, but was done mainly on FAITH. I am starting my own business and consulting now and need to recruit my own work. But, what I am doing has always been a dream/passion of mine. So many of us who have lost loved ones feel guilty about continuing to live our lives and experience all life has to offer, in the absence of our loved one. We may tell ourselves that we could never make that decision, go to that store, vacation there...because our loved one isn't here to enjoy it with us. Where does this sense of guilt come from? I must ask the question, would our loved ones want to live this way? I believe the answer is no.
My best friend Tami and I both believed that life was meant to be lived to the fullest. We encouraged each other to make our dreams come true. She believed in me and the things I wanted to accomplish in life. Should I now feel guilty since she is no longer here? I think that we honor those loved ones and their belief in us when we follow our hearts, passion, and dreams. I believe that their spirit, the essence of who they were, goes with us on that journey. I wonder, quite often, what she would say to me today if she was here. Knowing her the way I did, she would be celebrating all of my accomplishments with me and helping me to creatively navigate the rest of the journey.
Our loved ones don't want us to miss out, give up, shut down, because they are no longer here. They want us to embrace all that life has to offer. For some of us that is success, a new relationship, a new marriage, taking that dream vacation, etc. What are you not doing because you feel "guilty"? Examine those feelings and discover why you are feeling that way. Decide that life is meant to be lived and that your loved one would want nothing less for you. Follow your heart, your passion and watch your dreams come true! You will surprised on the other end just how much it honors those we have lost.
