Good morning! An update. My stepmother passed away yesterday at 98, and this was not unexpected. Your Substack this week was perfect. I looked inward and what I needed was to follow my normal activities while being present with the feelings of gratitude and loss. So that’s what I did. I baked for my husband, I made healthy meals, I did my stretching, I watched a favorite movie and cried at the end, then journaled and did some 4-7-8 breathing before I went to sleep. Still processing this and communicating with the family, and I’m ok. Thank you so much.
I am so sorry for your loss and I am so happy to hear you are going inward to feel and understand how to care for yourself in this time. keep going - glad you are here
If I experienced tension, especially when trying to sleep, I would get up and read to distract myself. I have learned to explore what I’m feeling, and that seems to dissipate it. The breath exercise you have described really helps me to get to a state of calm, a better state to be in.
Such a good reminder to be curious about all emotions.
When I feel overwhelmed and tense I try to get something done off my to do list.
Yes I love it - one thing - one drawer, one small corner
Good morning! An update. My stepmother passed away yesterday at 98, and this was not unexpected. Your Substack this week was perfect. I looked inward and what I needed was to follow my normal activities while being present with the feelings of gratitude and loss. So that’s what I did. I baked for my husband, I made healthy meals, I did my stretching, I watched a favorite movie and cried at the end, then journaled and did some 4-7-8 breathing before I went to sleep. Still processing this and communicating with the family, and I’m ok. Thank you so much.
I am so sorry for your loss and I am so happy to hear you are going inward to feel and understand how to care for yourself in this time. keep going - glad you are here
If I experienced tension, especially when trying to sleep, I would get up and read to distract myself. I have learned to explore what I’m feeling, and that seems to dissipate it. The breath exercise you have described really helps me to get to a state of calm, a better state to be in.
4-7-8 has been a game changer in my life