Saturday, January 14, 2012

When "LIFE" Ends: How To Accept The Loss

This week we came to the end of an era in dramatic television.  Losing ONE LIFE TO LIVE after 43 years, in tandem with so many beloved shows these past three years, has made being a soap fan a painful and challenging experience.  Yet if there is anything I have learned from Viki Lord, it is that all of us have a choice to rise up, face obstacles, deal with loss, forgive, and learn to love again.

True, most of us have not spent the past year 43 years, dealing with multiple personalities, constant health problems, losing husband after husband, and fighting Dorian Lord.  But I would argue that those who have followed Viki's trials and tribulations are in a better position to face life's challenges with resilience, dignity, strength, and humor.  

I respect this is a time of mourning for soap fans, and that with grief comes a host of anger, blame, and sadness.  It is human, it is valid, and it is necessary.  But my sincere hope is that people can celebrate and honor Agnes Nixon's creation by valuing the show's fundamental lessons.  Life goes on.  Love survives.  And no matter how much pain you are feeling, you too can rise to face another day.  

They can take "ONE LIFE" off the air, but they can't take away the memories, the lessons, the laughter, and the tears we have shared with the residents of Llanview.  So please join all of us at We Love Soaps TV in remembering Nixon's legacy with reverence, with integrity, and with joy. 


Damon L. Jacobs is a Licensed Therapist in New York City who specializes in treating grief/loss, depression, stress management, anger management, addiction, and bullying. He is also the author of the popular book "Absolutely Should-less: The Secret to Living the Stress-Free Life You Deserve," currently available at Amazon.com. For more information about scheduling a speaking engagement, please email him at [email protected], or check out www.shouldless.com

3 comments:

  1. Damon, when 'As The World Turns' ended in 2010, I believe We Love Soaps posted a piece about how to cope with its loss. It gave fans ideas of how to channel their grief in positive ways. A couple of the ideas included organizing a reunion luncheon with some of the stars of the show, donating to an actor's favorite cause, and starting a fan page (as a result of that article, I started WorldTurnsTV.com and created a Facebook fan page in honor of the show).

    Would you still happen to have that piece that ran in 2010? I think it is well worth posting again.

    Thank you,

    Tee
    Founder, WorldTurnsTV.com

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  2. WOW- GREAT memory! Thank you remembering that post... Here is the link http://www.welovesoaps.net/2010/09/worldstops.html. -- DJ

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  3. Thanks Smoke & Passion & Damon--I Totally Love This!

    Brian :-)

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