“You’ve got to trust yourself. Be gentle with yourself. And listen to yourself.
You’re the only person who can get you through this now.
You’re the only one who can survive your story, the only one who can write your future.
All you’ve got to do, when you’re ready, is stand up,
{and begin again.}”
― Tessa Shaffer, Heaven Has No Regrets
Well meaning friends and family often say, “Take care of yourself.” But when you’re grieving your internal voice may respond with “Take care of myself? How on earth am I supposed to do THAT?”
Therapists love to use the word self-care. Self-care comes in many forms, some of which are the most basic life needs. We need to eat. (But I’m not hungry.) We need to sleep. (But my brain won’t shut off.) Our bodies need to move. (But I’m so tired.) We need water and air and sunlight and other people to love and care for us. We need beauty and music — and sometimes we can find them together.
Take care of yourself in the most gentle of ways — eat something you’ve always enjoyed, even if you aren’t hungry. Drink some water. Step outside and lift your face to the sun. That’s a start.
