Top 5 ways to rebound from a loss of Olympic proportions

It's been more than a day now since Chicago was punched in the gut with the shock that we not only didn't win the 2016 Olympic bid, but that we came in last. The Chicago Olympic dream... foreclosed. Just like that.

Sure, there were many who knew that Rio would get the bid all along. And plenty of Chicagoans who were relieved we didn't get it. But to the thousands gathered at Daley Plaza for the IOC announcement, coming in last was not only a huge shock but a devastating disappointment. Complete heartbreak.

There were so many expectations. So many people worked so hard to make this happen. We had big dreams. Plans. And then in one quick statement, "The city of Chicago, having obtained the least amount of votes, will not participate in the next round," they were snatched away.

One thing I've gotten really good at over the last year is transcending disappointment.  After losing our house and all of our assets. You could say I've gotten really good at losing.

No one ever wants to lose. It's never fun to have hopes and dreams snatched away. But it happens. And just like Bob & I got over losing our house, Chicago will get over losing the 2016 Olympic bid.

If you happen to be someone who is having trouble letting go of the Olympic dream, this is for you...

TOP 5 WAYS TO REBOUND FROM A LOSS OF OLYMPIC PROPORTIONS

1. Express yourself
Find a way to express your disappointment. Don't let it fester. Let it out. I swear this works. When we were facing foreclosure, writing about our experience helped me stay sane in more than one instance.

2. Less is more
By selling 90% of our possessions and lightening our burden, we gained more freedom than we'd experienced in a very long time. This freedom has allowed us to figure out what really matters to us. Though, I agree that it would have been wonderful to host the Olympics, perhaps we can apply this 'less is more' theory to Chicago and instead of the Olympics, we could host, say, the World Chess Championship. Or... simply re-assess our priorities.

3. Losing is good for the soul
A LITTOF reader once commented that people who have experienced significant loss in their lives make for much more interesting people. The same, I believe is true for a city. Chicago's history speaks to this. Without the Great Chicago Fire would we have ever become the most architecturally significant city in the world?

4. Believe that something better is on the horizon
You may not want to hear it now, and isn't this what people always say when things don't go your way? But it's true. At least, it was for us. Something better is on the horizon. We lost our dream, but we believed that it was possible to turn this loss into something better. And the day we drove away from our house, we got an offer to live for 2 years rent-free in one of the most picturesque places imaginable. Something that never would have happened without the loss.

5. Chocolate
What can I say? Chocolate is your friend in times like these. You have permission to binge.