Working 
Through Loss:
Let there be Light.....
Written by Vickie Paouncic April 24, 2019
In the midst of any loss, whether it be the loss of a loved one, a loss of health, or a loss of relationship, we feel a "darkness" that overcomes us. It is a change in our daily life that seems permanent and never ending. Most times, it feels as though we are living in a make believe dream world-that this really isn't our life. Yet, we wake up the next morning, and it is real- we get that nauseous feeling in our stomach or that heaviness in our heart. We are not alone. 

In all my loss experiences, I felt helpless. I couldn't bring my father or my step-father back to life and ease my mother's pain - nor could I reverse my husband's stroke and have that "normal life" again for our children. Those initial days of experiencing different types of loss all left me nauseous and my heart heavy. I prayed to God to help my through these heavy burdens because I couldn't do it on my own-I was literally sick. I couldn't afford to get down. As a teenager, I had to I had to be strong for my mom and my siblings following my step-father's passing. As an adult following my husband's stroke, I had to keep going- not only for our children, but also as a caregiver for my husband. 

I know your pain. I was there. Here I am, years later, still pressing on. Yes, we all feel weak in times of loss. This is so normal even though we don't like being in this lessened state. Innately, I have always tried to see the positive in any situation-this is called hope. We all must find that flicker of light in our time of darkness. Sometimes it isn't easy, but without it, the darkness can consume us. 

We must surround ourselves with light, positivity, and love. This takes effort at times. We have to do it "on purpose". Listen to positive speakers-whether it be a podcast or a video on Youtube. Meditate each day in silence and let your mind be clear so you can get the messages you need. Pray for strength and all your needs. Reach out to those who lift you up. You are worth it. Always know how special you are-you were put on this earth for a reason to use your great gifts. 

May you always see that flicker of light in times of darkness and may that light shine brighter and brighter each day. God bless and always know your greatness within.......

Hugs and love to you,
Vickie


Eternal Love-Connecting with the Divine......
Written by Vickie Paouncic on April 25, 2019
After losing a loved one or dealing with a life threatening condition of a loved one, our hearts ache for their presence. We miss their physical being and all the goodness they brought to our lives. It is so hard to accept this change and finality/change in their physical being here on earth. Connecting to our loved ones on a new level is one way of attaining some peace with their transformation. 

After losing my father as a result of a car accident when I was 4 years old, I gained acceptance of his passing over time. As a child, I never dreamt of him nor had any outward signs of his presence. It wasn't until I was an adult that I received that sign.

I have a treasured picture of my dad at Christmas time with wearing a navy blue shirt and black pants. His face had the biggest smile on it as I opened up my Christmas gifts. It was a few years back that a gorgeous blue butterfly with black lined wings appeared on our back porch. As I walked outside, this beautiful butterfly kept hovering over me. Even as I turned around in the driveway and walked back to the house, the butterfly remained all around me eventually landing on my hand. It then flew onto our chair cushion and I was able to get a picture-my sign that my dad is always hovering over me, now in spirit form. This butterfly remained on our back porch for the next few days. I am so thankful for physical signs sent to me as reminders of his love.

I do speak to my father in my own quiet way. I know his spirit helps guide me even though he is not here in his physical form. I go to his grave at times, but realize that it is not his true presence. His spirit energy surrounds me every day.  

Over the years, I know of many people, including myself, receiving divine messages from loved ones in other ways, such as through music. After my husband's stroke which left him comatose for 3 weeks, I was so weak, yet life went on. I remember having to take care of business and made a call to our rental car company to reschedule our drop off date. I was placed on hold for the longest time. My patience was thin as I was so stressed and had many other things to do. As I waited for an agent to come on the phone line, Kenny Roger's song, "Lady", began to play. Lady is my husband's nickname for me. Tears rolled down my face as the whole song played -ending in, "Your the love of my life...., you're my lady". My husband in his comatose state was speaking to me at the perfect time-letting me know how much he loves me and is still with me-just at another level. God knew just what I needed at that time-reassurance of his love and connection to me. 

To this day, I am so observant to all the signs that surround me -messages that come through people, nature, music that plays on the radio or overhead in a department store, or even unplanned events that take place. All is in divine order-despite what we think. 

Take this blessed day, and for a few moments, be more observant-whether it be during your own quiet time or even at a busy time at the grocery store- you will get the messages you need. Your connection to the divine is always there, we all just have to tune in. 

Love and hugs to you,
Vickie

Guilt After Loss-
Should have's, 
Would have's,  
 Could have's.... 
Written by Vickie Paouncic on April 29, 2019
So many of us who have experienced loss say, “If I wouldn't have done this, I wouldn’t have lost my loved one”, or “If I just would have known what I know now, this wouldn’t have happened”, or “If I would have just told them……”

Guilt is one of the hardest emotions to work through, and so many times we have some form of it associated with our loss. I too, look back and think of what I could have done differently. Maybe if I would have intervened earlier, we wouldn’t have this life changing loss to affect us for the rest of our lifetime. So many "if's"……

We have to understand there is free will and circumstances beyond our control. This is the one of the hardest things to accept. We always want control but must realize everyone has choices that they have to make for themselves. All we can do is just love and carry on. 

I believe we all do the best we can at the time with the circumstances and knowledge we are given. We move forward with these decisions. We can drive ourselves crazy reflecting back to the decisions of the past. Don’t get me wrong-reflection has it’s benefits. We grow and learn through previous actions, but still it IS the past. We must acknowledge it, find peace with it, and then continue to move forward to the future.

Think about the future. Think about your dreams and aspirations. Start taking steps toward those dreams. Our loss experiences make us stronger even though we still feel weak at times. Our losses change us forever. I like to think of them as positive transformations. They humble us. They put the important things in life back in perspective, but we can still dream with our new reality. 

Let go of your guilt,- your could have’s, should have’s, and would have’s. Know you did the best you could at the time. Know it was enough. It was perfect at the time. Today is a new day and a new perspective. 

To the future,
Vickie 

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