I’ve been pondering the title of my book lately. The term Comeback suggests that after a setback and recovery, you’ll resume life as it was. That’s certainly far from the truth. Whether things work out well or not, going through a rough spell changes lots of things for all involved. A comeback brings in a new reality.
In our case, George’s near-death experience made us more aware of health, of preparing for emergencies and for cherishing our time together as a couple and family. We make decisions differently now. Our diets have changed. We are also much more vigilant about having fun and enjoying life. George’s different too. He doesn’t remember four months of my worst days on 2017, which has been an ongoing frustration for me. He will never really understand why I get nervous when he seems to be short of breath after exercise or has any noticeable symptom. Spending all that time in hospitals has changed me in ways I’m still discovering.
Moving my business forward after putting many priorities aside during George’s recovery was difficult too. Changes that had been neglected were needed and they all seemed to happen at once. My accounting system changed, my computer started acting up and found myself extremely frustrated time and time again. Being a solopreneur added to the stress. After 14+ years in business, it should have been easier. Eventually I made some tough changes, took some risks and headed new directions. I still don’t know how it will all work out, but the old ways are falling away and I am honoring this new phase, open to new possibilities and partnerships.
Any loss or major change will bring sadness, grief and a sense of longing for what used to be. A comeback requires creating and restoring hope and purpose. It requires finding the authentic self that remains here in spite of what you’ve been through. It’s finding “the true you” and your place in this new world. Creating that new awareness can take time and it can be painful.
Our stories continue as the days go by. All of us will be hit by challenges. We will learn from our struggles and we will strive to go on.
It’s no use trying to come back to where you used to be. Your greatest gains will come when you return to live in the present, honoring who you have become because you survived those challenges.
