When we open our eyes to the little miraculous events all around us, life becomes a story of many little resurrections, one after the next.
-Laurie E. Smith
Don’t you just love this quote? I’ll take any reminder I can get to stay in the moment and not let my mind go to worries about the future or grief from the past. I do carve out space and time to feel these feeling and others throughout my day as well, so they don’t buildup and become something I don’t want to release and vibrate out into the world.
I’ve been reflecting on endings, beginnings and closure as we move closer to being back in our house for almost six months, and the “normal” adjustment period starting to wrap up. It’s been an interesting year, to say the least, with an international move back to the states from Santiago, Chile, four months in an apartment while we wait for our household goods to arrive, and being back in a house we never thought we’d return to/thought we’d be starting fresh someplace new. Obviously, lots to reflect on here, but also lots of grace for myself when life felt hard, and also lots of gratitude when life has had a good flow and ease to it.
Here’s what’s to come in this blog: why endings are often bittersweet, things closure many bring into your life, and self-care ideas to help you during times of change.
Endings are so often bittersweet because they may bring:
- Excitement
- Happiness
- Calm
- Hopefulness
- Contentment
- Fear
- Anger
- Grief
- Loneliness
- Sadness
What other feelings would you add here from your own experiences with endings in life?
Here are some things closure may bring into your life:
- A chance to pause
- A new life chapter to celebrate
- Space to say goodbye
- A chance to embrace your accomplishments
- Space to grieve
- Time to process
- Time to acknowledge all the hard things in life
- Room to feel all your different feelings and emotions
What else would you add here from your own life experiences with closure?
Here are some self-care ideas to help you during times of change in your own life:
- Write about it
- Do a quiet or guided meditation
- Allow yourself time and space to feel your feelings
- Go for a walk outside and take in the beauty all around you
- Practice being mindful and focus on your five senses
- Snuggle with your pets or under a soft blanket
- Do something creative like draw, color, paint, etc.
- Talk about what’s going on in your life with a trusted friend or family member
- Process how you’re really doing in therapy
What other types of self-care have you found helpful during your own times of change in life?
If you’re struggling right now, know that you’re not alone. Many of us are currently navigating some big life changes. If you could use more help and support please reach out to your doctor or a therapist. Know that I’m thinking of you and sending lots of love and compassion your way!
