what to do...
update: just got off the phone with my grandpa. he is still in the hospital and even though he said he is doing horrible, his voice sounded strong and i got him to laugh. i am feeling hopeful.
some thoughts running around my head today about little things you can do when you feel overwhelmed/sad/confused/afraid:
do call a friend when you need to talk; don't just think about it and wonder if she will have time for you or if he will be around, just dial the phone. (thank you and thank you. support from someone who loves you is a wonderful gift.)
ask your blogger friends for help. (thanks for kind words and sending such positive thoughts to my grandpa and to me.)
seek laughter. (if you are having a crappy day, seek out comedy specials on HBO. last night, i watched ellen's special here and now for the fourth time and laughed until i cried. i followed that with wanda sykes hbo special...oh she is some kind of funny. i think i might turn ellen on again later today.)
notice the little things your partner does to help you feel better. (jonny, thanks for making tacos and getting me ice cream.)
cuddle with your pet. (scoot over here millie.)
cuddle with your ugly dolls. (thanks for the support jeero and moxie.)
dive into the archives of a blogger you enjoy and really get to know that person. (this is my new way of reading blogs: read the entire archives. yes, i am doing this right now. i feel a bit like i am stalking alicia at posie gets cozy when i open her blog again and keep it open all day, but i am reading her entire blog in between chapters i am editing this week.)
wear flannel pj's and warm snuggly slippers. (especially if it is chilly out.)
notice nature. (there are so many birds in our backyard lately. cooler weather is here and they are eating so much.)
think about all the things you have to look forward to. (if you don't have something, create something. i have something that i am very excited about, but i am also thinking about little things, like grey's anatomy tomorrow.)
create something with your two hands. (cook some soup, paint a canvas, paint your toenails, write a poem. tomorrow i am going to finish those purses and start some gifts.)
curl up in child's pose. (i settle into this pose and breathe and invite my body to let go of all that it holds.)
take a long hot shower. (off to do this now.)
give in to the tears if they are there. don't be afraid of them. (going to probably do this right now, in the shower, too.)
what do you do?
Jim Rohn
liz lamoreux
Reader Comments (16)
things I do to keep sadness out:
* take a walk - fresh air always helps
* watch some of my favorite movies - it's like having old friends around me
* journal about my feelings - catharsis
* and eat ice cream, talk to friends, and thank your lucky stars for a sweet husband the same as you do :-)
I'm glad your grandpa sounded stronger. Keep thinking those positive thoughts!
What wonderful perspective you have. Continue taking warm care of yourself, and it is so good to hear that you had a good conversation with your grandfather.
Prayers continuing your way.
hi, liz.
i'm so glad to hear he's feeling better, and that you guys had such a good conversation. i love that you have a "sadness game plan", too. it's such a great idea.
*walks or anything physical
*painting
*talking
*singing
are some of mine.
take care of you...i'm with jen on keeping on sending you some good energy.
Oh my that blog is divine. Makes me a bit envious at first glance.
I will probably keep it open and explore too.
I am glad your grandpa sounded ok, I know it is still scary. Thoughts and love to him.
I enjoyed reading all the things you do to de stress.
XOXO
liz, i am so glad i found this list you made. i love your list. especially the child's pose one which i think i will be trying soon. a lot on your list is new to me and i know already i will be trying them...and others are on my list too. when feeling my worst i tend to find myself lying on the floor in the corner after locking my door, drawing the shades, and turning off the light. it seems i create the environment and put myself in the space that most mirrors how i truly feel inside. i retreat into the darkness that is in my heart...but it is at those times that i most need a list like yours to pull me out of that and find some ways to move forward. i am grateful that you shared these tips of yours! i hope your long hot shower and flowing tears has left you feeling cleansed and refreshed. my best wishes are with you.
i love the last quote...glad you are helping yourself to find peace and comfort...xo
This was all very good advice Liz and so glad to hear that your Grandpa is doing better :)
the prayers will continue
xxx :D arlene
Sending good thoughts and prayer energy to your grandpa. And of course, to you!
i do many of the things you just listed. kindred you.
xoxox healing energy and prayers to your grandpa.
love you.
I like to have a long, deep hot bath - about to go do that now.
Hope your grandfather does rally & come through.
i am so late coming to your blog
i feel so behind...
ack.
i am sending you the strongest
be better soon wishes i can possibly send...and hugs too.
and alot of what you do is similar
to what i do...i also stalk blogs
(or i did when i had time to get
to the computer, ack.) and then
i go through everyone they have
linked to and bookmark the ones
i think i will like so that i can
go back and stalk THIER blogs (i'm
such a loser)(heehee)
and.
i cannot wait for greys anatomy.
teehee...
:)
xo
I'll be holding you and your grampa in my thoughts today as I cook. I like to read blogs I like right back to the beginning, too. Think I'll make a list of the ones I've done that with and the ones I still want to read back into. Yours will go on both lists.
:) liz, i am so glad to get some news about your grandfather. hand in there lovely!
I used to believe that distracting yourself from sadness was a bad thing. I thought I had to "stay with the feeling". Now I believe, wholeheartedly, that a little distraction and a lot of comfort are good things that should be indulged in often. Good for you for taking care of yourself instead of letting worry grind you down. I love your list - they are all wonderfully nurturing things.
Love positive thinking--great list! :)
I read a quote yesterday -- I think it was a Swedish proverb? -- that said "You cannot prevent the bird of sadness from flying over your head, but you can prevent it from building a nest in your hair."
I agree with those who have said that feelings must be acknowledged, but wallowing in them is maybe not the best plan.
When one is engulfed by sadness, it's hard to think of what else to do, so having a plan is an excellent idea.
Sending good thoughts.