Finding your way from the darkness of sadness. Our mental health is important at all stages of life. Dealing with sadness can be the result of a death, loss of your work and career, loss of a relationship or the loss of your mental and physical abilities. Aging really sucks sometimes and changes happen to our bodies. As we go through the process of grieving there are constant reminders of what life used to be for us. Each day can be a challenge and devastating for many. The emotional rollercoaster wears us down. So how do we get to the light, a sense of peace, whatever that my look and feel?
Recently my Aunt who was 101 years old died. Although in many ways that was what she wanted. With all her friends gone, her body breaking down and finally parts of her short term memory, she felt ready to go. Having spent many hours visiting her over the years, I had come to love, understand and respect this woman as a friend. We shared some funny, sad and intimate stories, and for her, the first time revealing these events. It was an honor to be witness as she spoke of trauma, helping with healing.
After the service, I realized not visiting her, not making time for coffee, not sharing homemade cookies was my new reality. The issue of filling our time and space with something productive, something that is fun, makes you feel happy. Even having a cup of coffee in the cup that remind you of that person. From my book FIND YOUR VOICE, “…I developed my own survival kit of things that made me laugh peaceful and feel good.” It works!