What’s helping my grief right now.
This summer has been a whirlwind of change for me. Living alone for the first time, I’ve found myself having to find new ways to cope with my grief. They might not be super revolutionary, but I thought I’d share them with you in the hopes that maybe you’ll find them helpful.
1. Clearing the Clutter
If you’ve been reading the blog, you know I recently moved into a 300-foot tiny house. Coming from a 5-bedroom house, you can imagine how much I had to declutter in order to fit into that small of a space! It turns out, though — it’s not just about the decluttering, but also finding a bit of calm in an organized place. Somehow, a tidy space makes me feel less overwhelmed by my grief.
2. Exercise- My Way
Now, I'm not a hardcore fitness buff, but exercise has turned out to be a game-changer. Instead of my usual gung-ho workout routines that I end up quitting, I’m choosing low-impact exercises, walks with friends – they've been like therapy sessions for my body and soul. There's aYouTube channel, "Improved Health," with super gentle routines that I love. I've actually started looking forward to getting active, and I find it gives me much more energy overall.
3. Meal Prep for the Win
Cooking for one means I get to choose what I eat. And guess what? I’m sticking (mostly) to healthy stuff! Fresh fruits, veggies, lean meats – they're all stocked up, ready to go. I've even lost some weight because I'm not munching on junk anymore. If you want, I can spill the beans on my meal planning tricks in another post.
4. I’m an English Teacher, so… Books!
Reading has been my escape hatch. It's like a mini-vacation for my mind. Instead of binging shows, I've been devouring books. It feels productive and therapeutic, letting me process emotions in a healthier way. Who knew that immersing myself in stories could make such a difference?
5. Stepping Outside
Honestly, the great outdoors saved my sanity. I made it a habit to step outside every day, even if it's just to wander around my town. Coffee shops, farmers' markets, strolls – they break the monotony and give me fresh air and get my ass off my couch.
6. Going Green(ish)
Climate change is here, folks, so I've been trying to make eco-friendlier choices. Even though I can't single-handedly fix things, it's a way to align myself with my values. Making more sustainable swaps and using fewer resources feels good and gives me something productive on which to focus.
7. Pouring Myself into “Purpose”
I’m almost done with my book! It's about dealing with grief, and it's become a project full of purpose. I’m also immersing myself back into making YouTube videos and reels on my GrievingMommy YouTube channel. Sharing my experiences, hoping it might help others – that's what keeps me going. It's my way of carrying forward Libby’s legacy of kindness and caring.
So there you have it – my list of things that have helped me handle grief this summer. They're not magic cures, but they've given me comfort, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose. Maybe some of these ideas will resonate with you too. Remember, your journey is yours alone, but it doesn't hurt to try out different paths and see where they take you.
**If you’d like to watch the YouTube video version of this post, click HERE.
