Reinventing Life After Loss: Finding Hope, Healing, and a Second Chance

By Alison

“Don’t ever feel like your best days are behind you. Reinvention is the purest form of hope. Make today your best yet”

- Phil Wohl

You Only Get One Life – Don’t Take It for Granted

So many of us walk through life believing that the path we’ve chosen is the only one available. That the story we’ve envisioned is the one that must unfold—no matter what. For years, I believed that too. I had my life planned out: my husband and I growing old together, sitting side by side in rocking chairs on the porch of a big, charming farmhouse, watching our grandchildren laugh and play in the yard. Not once did I imagine I’d be in that rocking chair alone.

When everything came crashing down, I crashed with it. I felt like my life was over, like the best parts were behind me and nothing could ever be good again. But then I looked into the eyes of my children—and I knew I had to keep going. They didn’t deserve a broken version of their mother who was depressed and looked for answers in wine bottles. They deserved hope, stability, and love. They deserved my best, even when I felt at my worst.

I could have stayed on the same path, living out a version of my life that no longer fit. I could have existed in survival mode, doing just enough to get by living in my depressed boozy state. But deep down, I knew I wanted more. I wanted to be the inspiration I used to be—not just for them, but for myself.

Reset Button

It took me two years of grieving, fighting, and soul-searching to finally realize something powerful: I was given a second chance. A reset button. An opportunity to reimagine my life, not just mourn what was lost, but build something new and meaningful from the ashes.

For 24 years, I worked in retail as a Store Manager. I loved the challenge, the people, the projects—opening new locations, remodeling old ones, leading workshops, mentoring new leaders. I thrived on pushing boundaries and making things better. But it was demanding—fifty to fifty-five hours a week, nights, weekends, overnights. Always on call. Always hustling.

The career was great when I was young and single. But that lifestyle no longer served me—especially now, as a single mom. So, I made the hardest decision of my life: I walked away. I stepped away from the only career I had ever known by retiring. Not because I didn’t love it, but because I finally loved myself—and my children—enough to choose a different path.

Adjust Your Vision

I was blessed to have the opportunity to hit pause. To choose a life where I could be more present for my kids. To be the mom I always wanted to be. Not everyone gets that chance, and I recognize how fortunate I am. My husband had been financially responsible, and because of that, I had a safety net. It gave me the freedom to stop and breathe. To show up fully, not just halfway.

So often we miss the gifts life gives us because we’re too caught up in our grief, our anger, our fear. We don’t see the opportunities in front of us because we’re fixated on what’s behind us. I had to learn to adjust my vision. To stop focusing on the negatives. And when I did notice them creeping in or get upset about an incident, I’d say, “Thank you for allowing me to have this experience.”

It wasn’t easy. Changing my mindset was the hardest part. I used to shut down when things went wrong. I’d feel defeated. I’d pour myself a drink and numb the pain. But I didn’t want to live like that anymore. I wanted a different story. I wanted to be stronger—for me, and for the people I love.