Oops, I totally forgot who I was for a second…

Losing a loved one can feel like losing a part of yourself, especially when that loss shakes the foundation of your dreams and motivation. I can personally relate to the feeling of drifting away from what once made me feel alive. Sometimes, grief clouds our vision and makes even the smallest steps forward hard to take. What helped me the most is allowing myself to grieve fully without pressure to ‘fix’ everything immediately. It’s okay to pause and acknowledge the pain before moving forward. Creating small daily rituals—like journaling, meditation, or simply setting aside time to reconnect with what brings joy—can gradually reignite that inner spark. I found that setting new, realistic goals helped me regain direction. Instead of holding on to old dreams rigidly, I started exploring what creativity means to me now, and how to express it in ways that honor both my past and present self. This process is deeply personal and often nonlinear, but embracing this adaptability can be so empowering. Also, tapping into supportive communities or sharing your journey, just like Rina does, creates a valuable network of understanding and encouragement. It reminds us that we’re not alone in our struggles or aspirations. If you’re struggling to find your footing after a major life change, remember that it’s okay to redefine your identity and your dreams. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. Be patient with yourself, and trust that the fire within you can be rekindled to light a new path forward.