When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
-Fred Rogers
Wow, what a difference a week makes! We’re now under a stay-at-home order here in Flower Mound, Texas. What about you? Life sure looks different than it did a week ago over here.
While I have been working from home and specializing in online counseling sine 2018, it’s usually just me and my dog at home together during the day. Now it’s my husband also working from home and the kids e-learning from home as well. It’s been a huge change for all of us, some good (more quality time together as a family) and some not so good (slower internet), and we’re trying to take each new day as it comes.
That being said, I’ve also noticed some grief and loss coming up as well, with not being able to do it all, the loss of future plans (I’m a planner and love having things to look forward to and get excited about in life), and grief over the loss of normal, everyday life.
What about for you? Are you seeing grief and loss showing up in your life as well?
The following are some of my thoughts on these different areas of grief and loss:
Grief over the loss of not being able to do it all:
- Working mom
- Teacher
- House Cleaner
- Gardener
- Counselor
- Chef
- Baker
- Fitness Instructor
- Dog Walker
- Stay-at-home Mom
- Music Educator
- Online Personal Shopper
- Entertainment Coordinator
Grief over the loss of future plans:
- Family travel to new places
- Spending time with extended family
- Spending time with friends
- Girls weekend getaway
- Couple Vacation
- Work conference & training
- Summer road trip
- Trying new activities (like indoor sky diving)
- Book club meetings
- Family dinner out
- Attending big events like weddings, concerts, spectator sports, etc.
Grief over the loss of everyday life:
- Chatting with neighbors outside
- Running local races
- Attending school events
- Date night out
- Dinner out with family
- Fun with friends
- Leaving the house without worry
- Shopping without fear
- Having a set family schedule (We’re all nights owls at the moment, possibly leaning towards becoming nocturnal!)
- Same day delivery
- Health checkups
- Normal supply of everything
What would you add to these lists?
I know some people have experienced even bigger losses during this pandemic. When you’re ready, please reach out to a therapist in your state who specializes in grief and loss.
