Labor Day will be upon us soon signifying the end of summer.
I become melancholic with the end of summer. Since Connor died, it is more difficult for me to face the changing of the seasons. Maybe it is because we both loved summer. He would hang out with his friends at the skate park, back porch of a friend’s house, hike or be with his dog, Mac. I too love hiking and taking my dogs out. While we did not always do these things together, it is comforting knowing we enjoyed the same things. The biggie is that we share the love of sunrises. They are best enjoyed on a warm summer morning with his coffee and my tea.
Most of that ends when the weather gets cold. I get sad when the green grass turns brown and tree leaves turn different colors. Do not get me wrong, I love the fall colors, enjoy the cooler weather and the beauty of the trees turning exquisite reds, yellows, and oranges.
I just had an aha moment while writing this. The change from outdoors to indoors is less opportunity for me to be grounded. Staying grounded is what keeps me going. If I am struggling, all I need to do is go outside, look at the trees and smell the fresh air. Standing outside in the warmth for just a mere 5 minutes resets me. Anything longer than that is a huge bonus. It fills up my energy tank.
I grieve the end of summer. Coupled with the loss of my son, it holds even more significance. We have all heard about the seasons of life. The changing of the seasons of life cannot be stopped , no matter how hard you try. Maybe a little explanation will shed a bit of light on where you are in your season of life.
- Summer symbolizes that everything is perfect. It is exactly right. I am where I am supposed to be. This is the times and memories with your loved ones.
- Fall takes away that feeling and brings in harvest. With it may come challenges that I do not want to face. It can take life to the inner core of finding yourself. We find ourselves wanting to make change, set new goals and move forward.
- Winter is about the cold, lack of hope and diminished energy. Acceptance of loss is difficult to do. Our grief may want to keep us in this season.
- Spring the purity of life. I have hope of the future. Here we realize there is life after loss. Our loved one would not want us to be sad but rather go on to live a fulfilled life without them.
There are three things that will help you transition in the changing of the seasons.
- Accept it. I know it is difficult to do. To pretend the loss never happened keeps you in denial. You can only start healing once you have accepted the loss, or the change of season.
- Take care of yourself. Exercise on a regular basis. Eat healthy. I use powdered fruits and veggies to bridge the gap of what I eat and what I should eat. It is the short-cut to what I cannot do on my own. This is about supporting your immune system and keeping you healthy in a difficult time. Order them here.
- Use grief as an opportunity to try something new. Meet a new neighbor, try a new sport or make a long-lost dream come alive.
Make the best of the changing of the seasons of life.
I understand your pain, having suffered child loss myself. Loss of a loved one, child, parent or sibling is heart wrenching and can leave you feeling hopeless. It does not have to be that way. My coaching program helps you regain your life, preserve memories, and find joy.
Schedule a free consultation with Peggy.
