Do You Want to Be Right or Be Happy? The Importance of Mindset in Overcoming Grief
Patricia Freudenberg
Principal Owner and Partner at Miss-U-Gram with expertise in End Of Life Coaching
Mindset Matter and Letting Go
Grief is an inevitable part of the human experience. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a significant life change, or a series of smaller disappointments, we all encounter moments that test our emotional resilience. In these times, the mindset we adopt can be the key to not only surviving but thriving through our grief. One of the most profound questions we can ask ourselves is, “Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?”
The Dilemma of Being Right
Being right often feels essential. It’s tied to our sense of justice, validation, and control. When grieving, we might find ourselves stuck in patterns of anger and blame, fixated on what should have been different. This mindset, while understandable, can trap us in a cycle of suffering. Holding on to the need to be right keeps our focus on past wrongs, preventing us from moving forward.
Choosing Happiness
Choosing happiness over being right doesn’t mean denying our pain or the injustices we have faced. Instead, it means prioritizing our emotional well-being and allowing ourselves to heal. It’s about recognizing that our peace is more valuable than our pride. This choice aligns closely with the principle of “letting go and letting God,” which invites us to surrender our burdens and trust in a higher power to guide us through our struggles.
Letting Go and Moving On
Letting go is not about forgetting or dismissing our grief. It’s about releasing the grip of negative emotions that hold us back. It involves accepting that we cannot change the past but can influence our present and future. Letting go opens the door to forgiveness, not necessarily for others, but for ourselves, granting us the freedom to live more fully.
The Role of Faith
As a certified end-of-life coach, I approach grief from a Christian perspective, although the principles I share are universal. Faith can provide a comforting framework for letting go and moving on. It reminds us that we are not alone in our suffering and that there is a greater purpose and plan for our lives. Trusting in this can bring a sense of peace and hope that transcends our immediate circumstances.
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Mind Over Matter
Our mindset shapes our reality. By choosing to focus on happiness, we can transform our experience of grief. This doesn’t mean we won’t have moments of sadness or despair. Life is complex, and emotions are fluid. However, by setting an achievable goal of happiness, we create a foundation for emotional equity and mental wellness. It’s about spending as much time as possible in a state of happiness, understanding that while life happens, we have the power to navigate it with grace and resilience.
A Path to Emotional Wellness
I am not a doctor, but my work as a certified end-of-life coach has shown me the incredible strength of the human spirit. I believe that mental wellness stems from a balanced approach to our emotions. By embracing happiness over the need to be right, we can achieve a state of emotional equity, where we honor our grief while also allowing ourselves to experience joy.
In conclusion, the journey through grief is deeply personal and unique to each individual. However, the choice to prioritize happiness over being right can be a powerful step towards healing. It’s a reminder that while we cannot control everything that happens to us, we can choose how we respond. And in that choice lies our true power.
Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?
The answer to this question could change your life.
Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. How have you navigated the balance between being right and being happy in your own journey of grief and healing?