T H E R E ' S B E A U T Y I N L O S S

From loss, to grief, to hope...

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Loss is a rough reality of life. But loss doesn't always have to be all bad.

One of the toughest things to accept in this life is that we all have an expiration date (whether that be death or things running its course and leaving your life), and sometimes people simply grow apart. Sometimes you have to love somebody enough, to let them go. It's easier said than done. But that doesn't mean it's not necessary.

I've found that the only way I got through my grief was to surround myself around people who have a sense of purpose and direction. Because if you want to get ahead in life, you better make sure you're putting yourself around the right influences. Stop letting people just chill in your life and take up space. Make sure their presence has a purpose.

After losing my two best friends in the span of 1 month this year, I'd say the one thing it taught me was the lesson of letting go.

You can't always control who and what you lose in your life, but more often than not, you can control who you hold on to. So make sure they are worth it.

My Dad always told us growing up:

“Birds of a feather, flock together.”

You run around with losers: You will end up a loser.

UNCONSCIOUSLY.

Just by being around them you will pick up their attitude about life. You will absorb their behaviors. The list goes on.

Ask yourself with every relationship you hold close to you:

Am I becoming a better person in this relationship?

Do they inspire me?

Do they challenge me & make me want to grow?

So maybe life and love isn't as simple as saying “I love you” <> "I love you too" .. And then happily ever after. Maybe you have to get hurt and be lied to. And rise from disappointment and grief, in order to know that you're really alive.

I've wondered for some time now what the greatest prize life had to offer, could be? I'm not sure if I know. But I'm certain that the greatest prize -- at this very moment would be: the freedom to love, without the presence of fear. The boldness to try, without the worries of rejection; & the wholeness to exist. I refuse to believe that not having hope is a joke.

Hope is all we have. And at this very moment, HOPE is all I need.

Maria-Karmina Landicho is a multi-hyphen force to be reckoned with professionally and an amazing human. Check more of her journey and vibrance out here.