When have you last taken a vacation? I mean a real vacation. Leaving everything behind. Taking time to unwind and just be.
You might think: What has that to do with grief? What is she getting at?
Would you not like to take a time out from your grief, from feeling overwhelmed and sad?
You might think that it wouldn’t be right to look after yourself and invest in a day, weekend or even a week at the beach, on the river, reading on a mountain hill, or paint plain air in a public garden.
When we grieve we often neglect the things that can help balance our mood, that uplift our spirit, and help us heal.
What is the most enjoyable thing you liked to do by yourself before your loved one died?
If you did everything together and my prompt makes you even more heartbroken, take pen and paper and write all the things down that you enjoyed doing together. Perhaps these memories trigger tears but I hope that they also bring a smile to your lips thinking of all the adventures you shared.
Perhaps there is an activity that would not be too painful to take on again on your own. If you still can’t think of anything have a look at your childhood. What was it that you did a lot and that made you smile? It could be a small thing like jumping into a puddle.
This week I challenge you to take a time out.
Remember that you make your own rules. You can share your self-care time with a friend or family member. (smile)
It can be an hour long or a whole week. Just do it.
Let me know how it worked for you.
I am taking two weeks off. I will be in rainy and soggy Switzerland and might just take that jump into a puddle. I will be back with you on July 6.
Take good care of yourself,
Jacqueline
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