Healing Hurts

**Not typical to my blog- this post is about a horrific murder that has shaken my soul. Proceed with caution. ***

I can now officially say that Dr. Phil has helped me. 

A recent story that has shaken my home, Utah, and even the nation has really effected me. The story I am referring to is the Susan Powell missing person case and the devastating murder/suicide fire involving her husband and 2 sons. 

The link above explains the details of the fire- but basically the husband of missing Susan Powell- started his house on fire during a supervised visit with his 2 sons. He, Josh, locked the case worker outside and then supposedly tried to kill his sons with a hatchet. Then with accelerants used- his house burst in to flames- killing himself and his two sons 5 and 7.

I have been reading everything about this story. Purposefully making every effort to watch the 4:00, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, and 10:00 o'clock news. Using the KSL news app on my phone every few hours. Searching the internet for news articles near Tacoma, Washington for any new information. 

{You could say I am obsessed.}

It has effected me to my core. I have personal experience with the court system and I guess that connection strung a resonating cord that just kept ringing.   

The thought of the boys and the suffering that they no doubt felt. The thought of Josh Powell and his own issues that he apparently didn't think he could overcome. Of the families and friends of this family that are just trying to understand what happened. Explaining to their children that there cousins aren't here anymore. All of this brings me deep, deep sadness. 

In the past, I have suffered with sadness on a regular basis. During this entire ordeal I could feel those feelings coming back. The ones where I was down on myself. Quick to anger. Days where sadness was my most common emotion. I could feel myself slipping. 

However, this time around, 

I was reading my scriptures and saying my prayers. I was playing with PK and reaching out to others. I was going for daily walks. 

{I know this helped}

These things are the reason that I have been getting dressed, having hours of happiness, still acting some-what human (which was not the case in the past).
In the past, I haven't known how to deal with sadness- I didn't have the skills I so desperately needed.

 I have since learned some things that can help.

Including: 

praying {OFTEN!}

reading the scriptures and writing down my thoughts

talking to friends and family

showering/getting dressed

having a "do-able" To-Do list

thinking positive about yourself

only listening/watching/reading uplifting material 

Dr. Phil today did a special report about the entire Powell situation. He explained that religious beliefs and having a good support system are key to overcoming sadness and grief. 

{I know this to be true.}

I'm grateful that I was able to turn on the TV minutes before Dr. Phil helped me to remember the great principle (who would have thought?) 

Life isn't easy. And I know that I will struggle with sad times again. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father has helped me to learn things I can do to overcome. 

It has truly made all the difference in the world to me.