“When all else fails, take a nap” — unknown (or maybe Mom)
In addition to working as a counsellor and writing for Suddenly Single Survival Guide, I’m also an avid photographer. Having learned with a film camera, I have embraced digital photography wholeheartedly. But, as much as I love my camera, it does not work if the battery dies. I now keep spare, charged batteries with me when I know I’m going to be using it a lot.
The same applies for grieving. Grief is exhausting — that’s why we counsellors call it grief work.
If you are feeling depleted, if your battery is showing one bar (meaning almost dead), take some time today to recharge. Go outdoors, find some place beautiful. If you live near water — even a small in-city lake will do, spend some time there. Listen to music — again, find something beautiful. Have coffee with a caring friend. Nap. Eat — not merely mechanically, but try to taste your food and remember what good tastes like. Visit someone with a baby. Imagine your battery gaining strength. One bar, then two bars, then nearly recharged. You may not get to fully charged, but that’s your reality today.
