The magic of second chances.
- Apr 25
- 3 min read
By Anna Berry
I was convinced that loss, trauma and grief had robbed me of a beautiful life. Void of joy, laughter and peace. A lifetime of solitude and loneliness awaited as I watched others living out the dreams I once had. Then one day everything changed.
My heart began to hope and dreams started to take shape. Deep down I knew that there was still beauty remaining, if only I would open myself up to the possibility of what might be.
Looking inward, a new appreciation for this tattered body, heart and soul started to come to life. The body that had produced my two greatest blessings. The heart that had survived unimaginable pain. The soul that had experienced the lowest of lows but still kept the spark of hope alive that there was a beautiful life remaining.
Slowly, my strength began to emerge. A newfound confidence that I could handle anything life threw my way. Goals came to fruition and laughter returned to my life. I knew that I could take the world on as a force of nature, empowered by all that I had overcome.
Yet one thing remained. Loneliness plagued my heart as one day turned into another, each one just like the other. That’s when I knew it was time to take the scariest step in my journey, but could I do it? Putting myself out there, vulnerable and scared, I took a deep breath and jumped in with both feet.
Hands shaking and hyperventilating, I drove to my first date in over 30 years. Over the next couple of months I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions and a myriad of dating scenarios. Each one bringing me closer to figuring out what I did and didn’t want in a future relationship and partner.
My heart found peace in the knowledge that just as there was enough space to love multiple children, it also holds enough space to love another as my person. What if soulmates aren’t meant to only be one person in our lifetime? What if in fact we are always being prepared to enter the lives of those meant to join us on each of our own unique journeys? Sometimes it’s a best friend, work colleagues, family members and even soulmates. My life began to take on a first half and second half format as I looked ahead.
Was it possible that for all that I had faced and overcome, that my reward might actually be discovering a second soulmate and the love of the second half of my life? A hidden blessing among the thorns of what had been a painful and traumatic journey.
I continued on my dating quest. Still anxious and afraid, but with growing confidence that it was part of my story and maybe my happy ending wasn’t gone forever. I grew confident that destiny was at play and that guilt no longer needed to be my constant companion.
I learned that online dating isn’t for the faint of heart but sometimes it leads to a connection that you never saw coming. One breakfast, one hand hold, one conversation, one kiss…and suddenly the magic of second chances comes alive. Who knows where that connection will lead but suddenly life is full of peace, happiness and joy. A heart content with what is, what was and what might be.
Connect With Anna
FB: @journeyofahealingheart
Insta: @journeys.of.the.heart
Comments