Embracing Life After Loss. Allen Klein

      Dear Reader

      While this book comes out of the lessons I’ve learned about loss from the death of my wife, the thoughts within address all kinds of loss. The feelings that often accompany the loss of a loved one also apply to such things as losing a pet, getting a divorce, being let go from a job, or any other major setback in your life. Any loss can be overwhelming. The aim of this book is to help you realize that loss is part of life, that it can be one of our greatest teachers, and that, in spite of your loss, you can once again fully partake in what life has to offer.

      After my wife died at the age of thirty-four, I was devastated. I went for counseling to deal with my grief. After three sessions, the therapist told me that life is difficult. I fired him. I walked out of his office. I didn’t need to hear that. I was living it.

      I also sought out books about grief. I thought that they would help me understand my loss. Most of them did not. They were huge tomes, more than I could handle at the time. Most of them told me how horrible I might feel after losing a loved one. That I might not have my appetite, not sleep well, and/or be depressed.

      That advice did not help me deal with my grief. I needed something that was easy to read. Something that provided encouragement. Something I could turn to on a daily basis for inspiration and uplifting thoughts. Something that spoke to my heart, not my head. Finding none of that in most grief books, I wrote my own. It is the book you are either holding in your hand or reading in a digital format.

      My intention for the book is that it will provide comforting, heartfelt thoughts and a lighter tone not found in other books on loss. I also hope that it will show you that there can be a positive side to loss and help you understand that, although your loss is a life-changing experience, it need not necessarily be a negative one. And that, because of life’s brevity, a loss can be a powerful wake-up call to celebrate life.

      Please note that I am not advocating avoiding the grief caused by loss or rushing through it. Unexpressed grief can come back again with a stronger force. It is important to fully deal with the grieving process after a loss. However, my goal in writing this book is to help you go beyond your loss to embracing life fully again and, yes, even laughing again. And to help you go from merely surviving to thriving. Also, I hope that it will uplift your spirit, touch your heart, and nourish your soul.

      P.S.: The advice in this book is what worked for me during my time of loss. Some of it may seem right for you, some of it may not. As with any information, take what fits and leave the rest behind.