Tag: joy

Survivor’s Pride

by Mershon Niesner

In the final stage of successful mourning, children come to see loss and their ability to survive as part of the same tapestry. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by grief and despair, they are aware of their own strength to manage adversity. Maxine Harris, Ph.D. author of The Loss That Is Forever 

Whether we have profound loss as a child or as an adult, we look forward to the day when we can reorganize ourselves and begin to get on with life. Sometimes we say,  “The worst possible thing that could happen did happen and I survived it. Now I’m going to get back to living a joy-filled life.” 

Sometimes this attitude, Survivor’s Pride, can fortify and strengthen those who are fortunate to have it throughout their lives. People who have had bad things happen to them often come out with deeper compassion and a greater capacity to empathize with the pain of others. 

Affirmation: I am a survivor.

Coaching questions: What has helped or would help you to “reorganize” yourself to the point that you have Survivor’s Pride? What have you gained by having something “bad” happen to you?

Royal Love

by Mershon Niesner

Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness. If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love. Stevie Wonder, entertainer

How can I speak of anything but love on the day of the royal wedding? The presence of a young mother, Diana, who died too early, was certainly there. She would have been so proud of her son and the changes he is making to the culture. But the sadness of the past absolutely didn’t take away from the pure joy, the love and the unity this wedding embodied.  Americans and Britons alike were in need of some loveliness…something apart from sadness and anger and bad news in general. I just wish them well…a life of joy and service.

I hope the sadness of your past doesn’t take away the joy and love as your life unfolds.

Affirmation: I am a teacher of compassion.

Coaching question: Who was your greatest teacher? Who is your “sweet flower of love”?