Every life contains pain, loss and times when our heart aches. But that doesn't mean we can't try to heal these wounds. Therapist and author Donna Lancaster believes that to be fully happy in the present, it's vital to work on healing our past heartbreak.
'When we don't allow the time and space to feel our sadness, anger and fears - our grief about our past - then it never really leaves us. It defines our present,' she explains. So how do we work through the effects of these tough times, draw strength from them and start to live life to the full? Here are some tips on how to begin.
1 SHARE YOUR STORY
Donna recommends starting by acknowledging the hurt and loss in your life so far. This is tough but important because, 'If we don't actively address past heartbreaks, our life force can become blocked and life feels heavy, like we're wading through treacle.' DO IT: MAP YOUR HEARTBREAK On a sheet of paper, write a timeline of the age you were when any significant hurts or losses happened. Everyday upsets can wound us deeply, so if it feels important, write it down. Think about how these past events have impacted on your life as you record them.
2 BECOME YOUR OWN BEST FRIEND
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Used car SCAMS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
Whether you're buying or selling, here are the dodgy deals to watch out for
Bliss in the BUSH
Not even the rain could dampen the spirit and beauty of a visit to Lalibela Game Reserve
Caramel CREATIONS
Three classic French sweets to round off dinner with friends
WINTER houseplant care
Bring extra greenery and life into your home when it's grey and gloomy outside
10 ways to LIVE WELL UNTIL...
It's the little lifestyle changes that can make a big difference
THE DESPAIR Of WINTER
Winter does sap one’s energy, to be sure, and you want to snuggle on the couch with a good book, but for some people, winter brings serious mental health issues
IT'S CRUNCH TIME
Noisy eaters, beware: Christabel Smith has had and heard! - enough
Pillars OF SUPPORT
We should all be paying it forward, and these women are helping to set an example
Gracefully COMMITTED
Anne Hathaway has shaken off her princess crown and is showing the world that she is more than capable of being the queen of the screen through hard work, commitment and being authentically herself
Till death do us part
It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages, said Nietzsche. He may be on to something, says Lorraine Kearney
