This Wasn't Supposed to Happen to Me: 10 Make-Or-Break Choices When Life Steals Your Dreams & Rocks Your World Book

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction: The Power of Choice 1

1 "I'm Fine ... Really!" Choice #1: Denial or Reality 17

2 "Poor Me" Choice #2: Victimhood or Responsibility 45

3 "I Have a Thousand Questions" Choice #3: Why or How 73

4 "How Could God Let This Happen?" Choice #4: Doubt or Faith 101

5 "Of Course I'm Angry!" Choice #5: Bitterness or Forgiveness 129

6 "I Can't Forgive Myself" Choice #6: Guilt or Self-Forgiveness 159

7 "Just Stay Away!" Choice #7: Isolation or Connection 187

8 "My Dreams Have Turned into Nightmares" Choice #8: Depression or Grief 219

9 "I Can't Go There-It'll Start All Over Again" Choice #9: Avoidance or Courage 251

10 "They Say Everything Happens for a Reason" Choice #10: Powerlessness or Purpose 281

Conclusion: Choosing Hope-One Step at a Time 311

Notes 313

About the Author 321