Reinventing Your Life After Loss

Nine years ago burglars invaded our home in Los Angeles.  We had no protection or deterrent.  There was no alarm system, or a dog (ours had just passed away), and the day before the traumatic event, a hard rain had left our back door slightly warped and unable to lock. Having lived in LA without incident for close to 20 years, we had been lulled into a false sense of security and had no idea how vulnerable we really were.    

At 11pm the night of the robbery, my husband switched off the TV and turned out the lights.  Moments later we heard loud footsteps coming down the hallway to our bedroom.  Before we could open our eyes, guns were at our heads and our blankets were drawn over our faces. Systematically, the two men pulled our wedding rings right off our fingers. 

We lay there helpless trying to match each other’s breathing.  We had no idea if they were going to hurt us, kill us, or what they were ultimately planning. I immediately thought of my baby girl sleeping soundly in her crib.  I imagined angels surrounding her, protecting her.  I focused hard on this image and then prayed to God to keep us safe.  

The burglars demanded to know where our valuables were hidden. Through the blankets, we gave them muffled instructions on where they could find money, jewelry and our laptops. They took all the loot and left.  

After about 10 minutes of silence, my husband whispered to me, “I think they’re gone.”  I cautiously got out of bed and looked at our ransacked room.  At that moment it hit me that we had received a second chance at life. I dropped to my knees and told God that I would use my gifts to serve others.  Then I ran to my daughter’s room and scooped her up into my arms.  I was filled with pure gratitude that she was safe.  

It took six years to finally leave LA and move to Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Ironically, the night before we left, one of our moving trucks was stolen from in front of our house.  It was found the next morning on fire in a downtown alley.  Our irreplaceable artwork and other beloved items were gone forever.  We were devastated.

While it was hard to see it then, what I realize today is that our loss was a gift.  It was a wake-up call to help us focus on our life’s mission.  So often we become complacent in our day-to-day and forget that we are here for a higher purpose.  What I did learn, and what I know now so clearly, is that my work is to inspire people to fearlessly achieve their potential.  This is my calling.  

At one time or another, all of us have had something happen that rocked our world and made us question our personal value.  Whether you’ve suffered a traumatic experience, were laid off from your job or have had to downsize or rethink your company, it’s important to use that sense of loss to spark what’s next for you and what’s meant for you.  

You’ve heard the expression, “When a window closes, a door opens.”  The night of the robbery, the importance of having a thriving advertising agency in a bustling city ceased to matter to me.  While it took me years to achieve that level of success, my husband and I are now totally devoted to helping others reinvent themselves.  What will you do with your second chance? 

Robin Fisher Roffer is a leading brand strategist and reinvention specialist. Founder and CEO of Big Fish Marketing, she is the author of Make A Name For Yourself: 8 Steps Every Woman Needs To Create A Personal Brand Strategy For Success, The Fearless Fish Out Of Water: How To Succeed When You’re The Only One Like You, and Reinventing Yourself: 10 Steps To Shifting Your Career Into High Gear.  Learn more about Robin at:  http://bigfishmarketing.com/ and make certain to check out her upcoming Reinvent Yourself! Workshop at http://relevanceinstitute.com/

Robin Fisher Roffer