Do you remember your first case of serious heartbreak? Are you still living with it? My initial hope for this site was a place where the average person could re-group. After all, it seems to be what I need to do on a weekly basis. Although I would honestly say I’m in a happy marriage, with over 20 years under my belt, I’m often reminded of the weight that heartbreak can add to your daily stress.
What Brings The Heartbreak
When I think of heartbreak, I think of marriage or dating troubles. I also think of the most extreme cases, divorce or death. If this is something you’ve been dealing with, you’re a survivor. That’s what I want you to remember. You’re in a daily challenge of survival. But, each day you wake up and face the day, you’re surviving. I’ve made a conscious decision NOT to watch television shows that encourage me to participate vicariously in the heartbreak of others. Why should I bring that stress into my life? Why should you? I don’t find it entertaining. I find no enjoyment in movies where children are snatched or harmed. These things bring heartbreak. I’m sure it’s in my mind, but sometimes even after watching a news story, I literally feel as I’m experiencing a form of heartbreak, just in experiencing the news. So, I even moderate my intake of the news media, especially with the current partisanship on display.
Life After Pain
How should we recover when we’re experiencing heartbreak? I wish I knew. I often do everything I can to avoid the pain. I’m not a drinker. Don’t misunderstand me. But, I have buried myself in unnecessary television shows or movies, video games (my guilty pleasure), church fellowship, and family and friends. I guess we all have to find out what works for us. But, we have to be willing to let ourselves feel the pain. And, that’s not easy. And, sometimes I’m just not willing. I am convinced, however, that we shouldn’t do it alone. I’m a professional at closing other people out of my life and attempting to suffer alone. This is disastrous in any relationship. We have to find a way to stay alive, not only physically, but emotionally and mentally.
Let me know what you do to survive when heartbreak hits. Head over to my contact page and drop me a line. Maybe over time, we’ll have ourselves a real list of surviving and thriving when the world seems out to get us. But, whatever you do. Don’t give up. Hang in there. Find support. Psychologist Guy Winch tells us in a Ted Talk that part of surviving heartbreak begins with our determination to fight our instinct. I’m convinced you’re a fighter. Let’s keep surviving.