Grief and trauma are not things we choose, but they are things we have to walk through during our life. Some may seem greater or more impactful, but as Payton Lynch shares with us, grief isn’t discriminant and, regardless of the magnitude, we experience it in similar ways. All grief is valid.
Payton Lynch is an amazing young lady who is currently traversing a few parallel paths. She works for Disney Cruise Lines as a Sr. Product Manager for the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. Payton also serves as a Traditions Assistant. While working for Disney has always been her passion and goal, she discovered that it is possible to be multi-passionate and pursue those things in tandem.
Life is full of learning. Some learning is done in a classroom, while some is done on the job. It is this experiential learning in the field that will help you identify what you want to do. Or in some cases, what you don’t want to do. It is our job to be open to the things that are out there. Sometimes, this requires a pivot; that is ok. People continue to reinvent themselves every day. Every path is an opportunity to fill up your toolbox and find ways that those tools translate in the future.
In addition to her work with Disney, Payton is preparing to experience the culmination of her passion project. Her book, Rise from the Ashes: Stories of Trauma, Resilience, and Growth from the Children of 9/11 releases this August. It documents the stories of family survivors of those lost in the September 11th, 2001 tragedy. This is a topic close to home, as this journey started with her husband, who lost his father on September 11th at the age of 13.
Beyond simply sharing stories, she shares themes of grief and the healing that emerges from these narratives. The importance of family and a solid support system. It is critical to have people in our corner who can advocate and help us get the help we need. Another key is actively practicing an attitude of gratitude and choosing to focus on the things you are grateful for, no matter how small. It is also important to assess where you are and how you feel and be ok with it at that moment. What is one thing you can see, taste, smell, or feel? Learning to focus and be present and feel in the moment is paramount to healing.
If you can take anything away from Payton and apply it immediately, it is this: If you are in the middle of a challenging time or feel like you are in hell right now, keep going Take baby steps. Get out of bed. Make your bed. Acknowledge birds are chirping. Just keep going and don’t stop.
Rise. Shine. Impact. Practice gratitude and be present with where you are right now.
Resources
Rise from the Ashes: Stories of Trauma, Resilience and Growth from the Children of 9/11 by Payton Lynch
Connect with Payton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paytonmeetsworld/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paytonsherry/
Connect with John:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnwalsh_standout
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrwalshjr
Twitter - https://twitter.com/johnwstandout
