When Nicole’s husband passed away, she became a completely different person. It can not be said that all the changes that happened were negative, but the loss and grief that came with it made her stronger, braver, and more intentional. Something that was not already embedded in her personality. How loss shapes you can not be undone by any happiness and joy that comes your way.
Grief opens you up in ways you can not even imagine, and others can easily observe the shift you feel in your personality, behaviour, and actions. Everything that once your world revolved around suddenly feels less dear to you. You often figure out what matters to you on the healing journey from grief. Was it what you thought it was, or just a mirage of your delusions? After what Nicole went through, she understood what empathy meant; it was not just about relating to the pain of others but being softer towards what others felt and stronger in her convictions.
Nicole understood the importance of standing for what was right and wrong, and not just this, she found her voice through the realisation. The voice urged her to stand not just for her rights and herself, but she knew she had to speak for those who could not do it for themselves. Her husband’s death, being an event that she will never get over, no matter what she accomplishes and how much love she gets from around, might always remain, but she has learned the art of coping with the grief that takes over!
The absence of Nicole’s husband has taught her that she is not supposed to tolerate things that offer nothing in return. She has also realized that love and honesty are the most valuable assets a person can have, and she is stronger than ever. Nicole practically saw how short life is and how you never know, you might be living the last days of your life. Thus, let things matter to you and keep them as long as possible, as many are irreplaceable.
In penning down her grief, Nicole wrote that once you lose something in life, there are only two options that you get in return: either you let the sorrow take over your life, or let it transform you in unimaginable ways. Being a strong, independent woman, she opted for transformation, and it is the best decision she has ever made, one that is fierce and full of compassion.
Everyone must realise that their life is entirely theirs and that it is entirely upon them to realise how they control what happens. Nicole wants everyone to self-analyse by asking a few questions: If something unimaginable happens, will you choose to let it destroy or transform you?
No matter how she feels, she opts to become better and stronger. When she wakes up every day, so should you!
