Years ago, I had the opportunity to hear Ann Kaiser Stearns speak; her insights left a lasting impression on me. Ann is the author of "Coming Back: Rebuilding Lives after Crisis and Loss," published in 1989.
Through her work with people navigating loss and tragedy—like death, divorce, and illness—she identified three distinct responses to these challenges.
-The first group consists of individuals who remain stuck. They struggle to move forward and often find themselves mired in their circumstances.
-The second group manages to return to their normal routines after their tragedies, picking up the pieces without much long-term change.
The third group, the Triumphant Survivors, truly resonates with me.
These individuals face their challenges head-on and emerge stronger, transformed by their experiences. A striking example is the founders of MADD, who turned their personal tragedies into a powerful movement for change.
Sterns emphasized the importance of closure as a vital step in healing. She recounted a poignant story about a friend who faced a mastectomy. In a heartfelt act, this friend wrote a letter to her breast, reflecting on shared moments and saying goodbye. That simple farewell helped her move on and embrace her new reality.
In my work across nursing, ceramic art, and real estate, I've noticed a pattern: many people experience lingering depression from significant life events that happened 18 months to 2 years earlier. Even moving—while not a disaster—can be a substantial change. Finding closure is essential, particularly when selling a home. I guide my clients through this process, of saying goodbye, encouraging them to acknowledge both the good and the bad memories tied to their homes. This acknowledgment can truly help in easing their struggles.
How many
Triumphant Survivors can you relate to?
Are you one?
Thinking of buying or selling a home
Call Margaret Rome
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