Motivational

How To Survive When Tragedy Strikes

Tragedy in this context is an event or occurrence causing great suffering or distress as a result of accident, loss, a natural catastrophe and so on.

It is one thing in life that no one ever prays for, wishes to know or experience.

But we do know tragedy. We do experience it. We all have, and at some point in time we all will.

Do not grudge pain. It holds on its hot blanket the evidence of life; handled and well managed, life from it takes its meaning

Olufunke Kolapo

We can say all we can do is be prepared for when it strikes. But we can never be prepared, not really.

When tragedy strikes, it knocks you off your feet and sometimes paralyses you so that you will never rise again.

It leaves you out of breath, numb, terrified, and disoriented that you can’t even remember how you got where it flung you.

And as if you never happened it whirls by in search of its next victim.

You are left in a daze, in the middle of nowhere turning in a gyre of agony and confusion.

So you say to yourself that you are not someone who gets knocked down, whose life is turned upside down, who is lost in the middle of nowhere with no compass or light to find your way to yourself.

You keep telling yourself you are not the one.

It is supposed to happen to someone else, someone without a face or name.

Someone other than you. It has happened, that is the truth.

When I was hit by a truck that took my leg and damaged my pelvis, it took me a while to accept the truth.

That I was the same person who left home that morning, the same person who had made so many plans the previous day, or the month before.

Sometimes, it still feels like a dream or another lifetime, I still imagine that I would just get up and walk without grabbing my walker, or crutches or buckle my leg on before walking.

But it is true, it is not a dream and I am not dead. I am not saying it is going to be easy because it’s not.

I am not asking you to snap out of it, to get up and move on. Or that you will get over it, because I haven’t.

Do you know why?

Whatever you have lost still remains a loss. Your job, limbs, opportunities, marriage, friendship, freedom and so on.

You can get a replacement but the tingling of the first loss remains just like phantom pain.

The person you lost is gone forever, the space they have left in your life and heart still remains vacant.

Take your time, catch your breath, you are the only one who knows how deep the hurt is, how painful the agony is. You set the pace.

Do remember though, don’t get lost in your tragedy, in your grief, don’t let the storm take you.

Cry if you must, scream if you can or if you want to. I kept it in for so long and ended up screaming in .y head. Believe me, it is unpleasant and exhausting

And remember, it is important to keep living on for as long as life gives you breath because that’s the only way they keep living on, in you, through you, your memories of them.

So, like an amputee grab those crutches or walker, fasten your leg and keep moving. Because you know it is the only way you get to move at all.

I always do that to remind myself, that as long as I’m still here, as long as I can move, I can get wherever I want.

I can be me because I am still me, just one leg short. Whenever I am down, I would move. I would get up, walk and breathe in some fresh air.

Whatever you can do that will not hurt you or someone else, if it keeps you going, keeps you hoping and living, do it.

Whatever you are doing right or that you can do to make you feel alive, make you human makes you feel you, keep doing it.

Keep moving one small step at a time; one day at a time.

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39 Comments

  1. I’ve never gone through a significant tragedy. I’ve had family members die, but of old age. My husband was laid off but was able to bounce back. But it is always good to be prepared.

    1. Very motivating! God forbid, no one should face any tragedies in life but yes keeping positive is very essential

  2. I pray I bypass any tragedies any time soon, but there’s always help and support available when you need it most.

  3. A tragedy is a tough one to go through, especially when you are alone. Some people do it better than others. That is why the inner strength, the person’s character play a huge role in the outcome of the after-tragedy time.

  4. It’s a heartbreaking read. Honestly, I admire you for writing about this and supporting orhers. Wish you all the best and thanks for inspiring people!

  5. Thank you for your candor in sharing a very difficult part of your life. You are able to help others through your experience in a way that most people are not just because you understand in a way that many of us can’t.

    1. True..totally agree with your point..sharing own experience is a type of inspiration for everyone…

  6. It was deep heart touching…tragedies are part of our life whether some are beneficial and some means to be much harmful too..Thanks for sharing it..it was amazing to know more about these…

  7. Thank you for sharing this with your readers, now i am sure people going through such difficult time in their life will know how to deal with it

  8. It is important to let all the sadness and anguish out, but also remember to get back on your feet after time. I’ll keep in mind your tips.

  9. You are brave. Thank you so much for sharing your story, in sharing your experiences you create understanding and support. I would love to hear more from you.

  10. You have a very healthy approach for accepting tragedy and catastrophic loss. Although difficult, it is better to move on than to dwell on the tragedy.

  11. Yes, tragedy is different for everyone, but no less painful. Learning to deal carry-on through tragedy is the key. Thank you for sharing your perspective.

  12. You are so right, when tragedy hit keep moving on, one step at a time. Very powerful words, thanks for the share.

  13. Yet, as difficult as it may be, trying to maintain a normal routine and diligently maintaining our health in the face of tragedy helps to move us further along in the grief process than retreating from everyday life.

  14. Now this is a very important topic to know, great detail and very informative. This gives us what feeling in that situation and how to cope up with it. Thanks for sharing such amazing post.

  15. really touched it, after reading blog, thanks for sharing

  16. I’ve never been through a huge strategy but I understand the feeling of helplessness and despair!!! I hope no one goes through this but as you rightfully said, we’re resilient…

  17. Everyone grieves in their own way but I think as family members and friends its so important for us to show love and support when someone is experiencing such a sad and stressful time in their lives.

  18. Its true that the tragedies will never ends.. All we want is never give up to win them

  19. This is why I prioritize emotional intelligence and resilient character in my homeschool. Everyone will experience their breaking point, even if it doesn’t count as a tragedy, and I want my kids to be prepared.

    1. It is good you are preparing them. Because it is important to be. I know some might argue that we don’t need to be prepared. I think it is needful.

  20. Heather- our happy healthy homestead says:

    Thanks for sharing your tragedy and story. I appreciate the insight into coping with a tragedy!

  21. I lost my dad last year. Death to me is so tragic. I don’t care if it was a sudden one or lingering illness. The thought of never seeing someone you love ever again…is devastating

    1. I am so sorry for your loss. The death of loved ones can be paralysing and devastating. It is hard to understand or accept that you will never see them again. May the Lord keep being your strength.

  22. I needed to read this post today. First it helps me realize I am not alone in my battles and second it brings me hope.

  23. Thank you for sharing this very important issue in once life. Support system is very important to survive the tragedy in life.

  24. Tragedy is such a tough thing. I remember dealing with it with my ex and her brother when he passed away. It was a horrible time. But you are right. They live on through us.

  25. A tragedy is a tough so it’s okay to feel grief and take time to heal yourself step by step. I’ve been through this last year when my grandfather died. Nice post.

  26. Tragedy is such a hard thing. Everyone deals with it differently. Thanks for your positivity about this and sharing part of something hard you went through.

  27. Sudden tragedies are very difficult
    But we must always have faith because it is a trial from God
    It is evidence that he loves us
    Because the affliction is a washing of sins and sins.
    We also do not forget to store an internal force to equip it for these situations
    For information about motherhood and childhood, visit my website https://www.momsandchild.com/

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