“When we experience loss we are confronted with a profound challenge. We can either give up or grow from the experience. We can succumb to adversity or use adversity to transform our lives”

 Blueprinting our lives is a way of steadying our heart and finding our balance after a hard fall. It is the beginning of integrating the loss experience into our life story in a way that is purposeful and future oriented. This does not mean that you are finished mourning. It is appropriate to continue to recount the loss experiences and seek support in dealing with the raw and difficult emotions. Loss is not a linear experience, and it is normal for each person to be at a different place in his or her grief journey.

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision the people perish

Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

Proverbs 24:27 Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.

Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

Proverbs 14:15 The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Philippians 3:13-14 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

STEP 1: DEFINE YOUR PURPOSE:

Purpose can be defined as the reason one exists or the thing toward which one strives.

Answer the following questions:

• What is something that you could stay committed to for life?
• What is something that inspires passion within you?
• What is something that when everything seems to be going wrong you can hold onto during the difficult times?
• What is something that you know you can stand for?
• What is something that has you feeling you are making a difference?
• What is something that gives you the strength to continue?

STEP 2: DEFINE GOALS

Goals order our steps and help us to know if we are deviating from our purpose. It is important to be specific. It’s helpful to have long term goals and short term goals. Name one goal for each of the following categories:

• SPIRITUAL GOALS: Make this your highest priority.
  • Overarching goal:
    • Objective 1:
    • Objective 2:
• FAMILY/RELATIONSHIP GOALS: Never allow yourself to become so busy that you forsake your family or friends. You can’t do it by yourself, you need a support system.
  • Overarching goal:
    • Objective 1:
    • Objective 2:
• MENTAL/EDUCATIONAL GOALS: You must consistently strive to be the best you can be.
  • Overarching goal:
    • Objective 1:
    • Objective 2:
• PHYSICAL GOALS: Take care of the physical vessel God gave you
  • Overarching goal:
    • Objective 1:
    • Objective 2:

Many companies use mission statements to keep them on track. It is statement of purpose and a definition of goals. A mission statement is one way to help you define your being, find your balance, get your footing, and keep going in the midst of storms. Use the following template in order to write your personal mission statement.

You can use this template to write yours if you find it helpful. It is important to keep your statement as concise as possible so you can read it and commit it to memory.

I am (Name)________________________ and I was created to (purpose for living)________________________________ through (long term goals) ________________________________________. I am committed to (short term goals) ___________________________ in order to fulfill this life purpose. I am (describe what you choose your personal character to be, and what strengths do you want to possess)________________________________. I will (describe your responsibilities toward family, friends, self & community) ______________________________________________.

Part 4 of grief & loss curriculum