Note from Mary Lou: You may want to have a pen and paper handy to reflect on the questions in this post.
Ever felt like life's throwing too much at you, leaving you lost in a whirlwind of emotions?
Maybe you're dealing with change, loss, or just trying to figure out who you are. It can feel like a lot to handle on your own.
It happens to all of us.
Because sometimes, change can feel like a tidal wave crashing over us, leaving us struggling to stay afloat.
Luckily, there's a beautiful book called The Far Unlit Unknown I happened to write in the months after my dad died that can guide you through the chaos without costing you a fortune or your sanity.
Instead of getting tossed around on a relentless ocean of emotional chaos, use this book and its straightforward framework to navigate the challenging waters of your life: leaving, grieving, loving, and being.
The following two sections can give you a head start if you don't have the book yet. Get your copy here.
How can The Far Unlit Unknown help you make sense of your emotions?
Let's explore with some real-life examples and questions.
Example 1: Imagine you've just ended a long-term relationship. You're feeling lost and unsure of what comes next.
How can acknowledging what no longer serves you help you move forward?
(Companion poem to this question: "What You Weave on the Loom of Magical Thinking")
Example 2: Now, think about a time when you experienced a significant loss, like the death of a loved one.
How did allowing yourself to grieve help you heal?
(Companion poem to this question: "The Great Undoing")
Example 3: Consider a moment when you felt deeply loved and supported by friends or family.
How did embracing that love impact your overall well-being?
(Companion poem to this question: "walking through two worlds at the same time")
By reflecting on these examples and questions, and reading the companion poems, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how "The Far Unlit Unknown" can support you through life's ups and downs.
Why does "The Far Unlit Unknown" offer guidance in tough times?
Let's delve into the reasons this book can offer guidance in tough times with some more examples and questions.
Example 1: Think about a time when you let go of a toxic friendship or habit.
How did creating space for new opportunities contribute to your personal growth?
(Companion poem: "This Is the End of a Long Story")
Example 2: Recall a moment when you resisted grieving and instead tried to push through the pain.
How did that affect your emotional well-being in the long run?
(Companion poem: "After You Delete Instagram off Your Phone")
Example 3: Reflect on an experience where you embraced love and positivity during a challenging period.
How did that shift your perspective and resilience?
(Companion poem: "Liturgy")
These examples and questions with the companion poems illustrate why "The Far Unlit Unknown" is an effective tool for navigating emotional growth and resilience.
Whether you are struggling personally or professionally, remember -- no matter how turbulent life gets, this book and framework can help you find your way back to calm waters.