Oh, the challenge list: being wait listed for college, twitching finances to attend college, children not coming home for Mother’s Day, mother’s who aren’t with us anymore, children moving back home, juggling bills, planning for retirement, caring for the ill, helping your children who learn differently. Are you sad now?
Sorry, for that list which you already know. But do you know if you are a planner for emergencies or an “I will deal with it as it comes” kind of person. Only you know what an emergency for your life is and how you deal.
I am both a planner through brainstorming and getting advice, as well as, one who trusts I will be able to deal with what comes my way. I can’t plan for everything. I can develop resources and inner strengths, (one strength is I know how to talk to myself with a nurturing tone and comfort words just like I would talk with a friend who needs TLC).
I keep my PERSPECTIVE in check, for example, by reminding myself this won’t be for the rest of my life. I ask for HELP which I learned to do during a critical illness I lived. I VOLUNTEER. I know that sounds crazy when you are stressed and still research shows an hour of volunteering ignites your happiness, just don’t drive far.
When aren’t we dealing with changes? We need to PARTNER with each other by LISTENING, keeping hope alive through GRATITUDE which you hear all the time. It works. ASSESSING once a week, not daily, and keeping FUN ALIVE. Parents tell me when stress is high, fun flies out the window. Go grab it!
Fun ignites happiness. Happiness feeds peace. Play MUSIC everyday. Make a list of WHAT IS FUN for you. Walk away from what DRAINS YOU, not forever, but for a break. You need a LIST or you won’t think you have CHOICES. Post your list with a website forum online, friends, partner, and siblings. GET FEEDBACK.
Let’s be in this together and review, re dream, re-build, re-ask, WHAT REALLY MATTERS? Fun is a requirement for living satisfied.
Let us know what fun times you are making happen by posting them here or asking for others to give you ideas right here in the comments. PS. Sunday I went on a short walking tour of an open house of gardens. Amazing beauty, simple, and inspiring people!
Your turn to post a comment.
Have some fun,
Natalie
800 446 3310 office toll free
Los Angeles 818 763 0188
natalie@emptynestsupport.com
Natalie Caine, M.A. natalie@lifeintransition.org
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