“Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful.” – Annette Funicello
Written by Ray Smythe
I believe this quote is so powerful. As many of you know, I wrote a book about coping with grief. I used quotes that would motivate me and others to move forward with our lives. After losing that special person in your life, you wonder if life will ever be enjoyable again. Brave Annette had multiple sclerosis. Even though she was in chronic neuropathic pain, she always had a positive attitude and never complained.
After your spouse, child, friend, or relative passes, you might feel guilty about enjoying life. This is a common feeling, but we have no choice but to move forward. Life is fragile and short. Living the rest of your life feeling sorry for yourself is no way to live. Dale Carnegie said it best, “Feeling sorry for yourself and your present condition, is not only a waste of energy, but the worst habit you could possibly have.” Yes,
he is brutally honest, but Dale is right.
My partner Steve told me a dozen times before he died to live a full life after he passed. He wanted me to mourn his death for a short period of time. He wanted me not to just survive but to thrive after his death. No, it will never be the same and I will always miss him, but I am honoring his words. I have stayed active with my neighbors and friends. Plus, I continue to be involved with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Cal State in Palm Desert. Life will never be the same without him as we were together for 49 years. However, I think following Annette’s quote that life can still be wonderful is the right path to follow. I hope these words help those of you who are struggling with sorrow.
Coping with Grief is available on Amazon.
To watch a video of Ray Smythe visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0-BZc-FpMM
