PATHLIGHT: “Let go or be dragged”
Annie Wenger-Nabigon, Ph.D., R.S.W.
Some of the readers of this column may be wondering why I haven’t written in a long time. There is a short answer and a long answer. For now – the short answer.
What happened?
What happens in life, to everyone, sooner or later, is loss. For me – and our family – the “sooner” showed up in life before we even knew what was happening, and my husband passed away within weeks of receiving the diagnosis of cancer.
Right now I am fully engaged in the process of dealing with what that all means for me, and for the many, many people who dearly loved the good man who passed away. He was not a perfect man, but he was perfect for me, and we shared a life together that we loved and treasured. Now that life together is gone and it is time to build a new life, with all the challenges that holds. In reality, there is still a life together, but it takes on a different form. I am just beginning that journey and am discovering some new lessons:
- When it is time to let go – let go! Or you will get dragged somewhere you will not want to be.
- Abundance is not measured by money, but by the wealth you find within you and around you. Wealth of friendships, family, health, and positive efforts are priceless!
- Patience is not only a virtue but is also a great effort. When all else fails, “stay calm and carry on”. Sometimes than means doing nothing, and sometimes that means just trying to do the next best thing.
- Love yourself first and best. That is work some days, but it is work that needs doing, is worth doing, and will benefit everyone in the long run.
- Never give up. Stay focused on your goals, be hopeful, and help others.
Today I am writing a new column installment. That is my next best thing. I also continue to spend time with family and friends and am giving myself lots of time to prepare for returning to my job at some time. I plan to write more later but not for a while.
For now I’m just focusing on not getting dragged!
Annie Wenger-Nabigon, Ph.D., RSW
Pathlight@OntarioNewsNorth.com
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ANNIE RECOMMENDS:
- The Hollow Tree by Herb Nabigon
- EldersTeachings.blogspot.com
- Pathlight: Journey to a Good Life archives
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Author of Pathlight; Annie Wenger-Nabigon, Ph.D., RSW is originally from the U.S., earning her Canadian Citizenship in 2013. June 16, 2015, following more than 8yrs of studies, Annie was awarded her Doctor of Philosophy in Human Studies degree by Laurentian University. Annie lives in Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (formerly known as Pic River First Nation), the community where her late husband, Herb Nabigon, was a member.
. Annie Wenger-Nabigon, MSW, RSW has been a cinical social worker since 1979 working in mental health, family therapy, and addictions services. She works full-time as an Adult Mental Health and Addictions Therapist at the Marathon office of North of Superior Counseling Programs. Annie provides training and education to professionals on a wide range of topics blending mainstream and traditional approaches in healing and provides cultural safety and anti-racism training.
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*Health themed columns on OntarioNewsNorth.com are not intended to replace medical advice from your doctor or other professional health care provider the general information provided is intended to encourage discussion. The information is not advice, and should not be treated as such. If you have specific questions about any health issues, please consult your family physician, primary health care team or other professional healthcare provider. If you feel you are suffering from a mental or physical health issue, you should seek medical attention immediately. The information shared on OntarioNewsNorth.com does not constitute medical advice nor should any person delay seeking, disregard or discontinue medical treatment because of information found anywhere on OntarioNewsNorth.com. The opinions provided on OntarioNewsNorth.com are solely those of the post’s author and do not necessarily reflect those of OntarioNewsNorth.com its advertisers or other contributors.
