There is planning and then there is letting go. There is having an image of what you want and then there is simply the reality that life happens. When life happens, like illness, break ups, loss, it isn’t a punishment. It is life. You might tell yourself you are to blame or you failed and that might not be true. What is true is you have another opportunity to treat yourself well no matter what happens. You seem to forget that part is available to you as a choice.
I remember when a fantastic, giving woman shared with me that she keeps having one problem after another, including house repairs at big costs, swollen feet, and chatter in her head telling her she made a bad impression. When she stepped into taking good thoughts in and telling the negative ones to be quiet, she felt more in control and more relaxed.
Collaging a life:
1. Check in with yourself daily.
2. Choose to do something each day that really matters to you whether that is inward connection or outer or both.
3. Remind yourself that you aren’t forgotten.
4. Review what you like about you
5. Tear something up and toss it in the garbage.
6. Make a list of what brings you joy. Really do it. I know you hear that often and like me, as well, we don’t do it. You know some things automatically that make you happy and there is more beneath that knowing. Keep digging .
7. What new spiritual practices are you interested in exploring?
8. Is there an exercise class you want to try?
9. Who do you want to email and who do you want to call.
10. Who might you give something to for about 15 minutes, whether that is checking in on someone and offering to listen on the phone, or going to the park and picking up trash? You will think of something.
Collaging a life
There are many parts of you that you haven’t met yet, full of vibrant colors and textures that can shift how you view your life. Wouldn’t it be fun to find them?
I did not find my photographer until I lived in the empty nest. I did not find my meditator until I wept from loss. I did not find my swimmer until I jumped in and didn’t care if I made a belly flop.
If you would like me to help you find new parts and direction for your life or heal from loss, I am here.
Take good care,
Natalie
Natalie Caine M.A.
Life In Transition, What’s Next?
Empty Nest Support Services
(800) 446-3310 or (310) 454-0040
Los Angeles
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Natalie Caine, M.A. natalie@lifeintransition.org
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