How are you doing? I don’t mean in the superficial, “I’m fine” sort of way. I mean in the deep-down nitty-gritty sorts of ways. For many, things have changed. Wildfires, flooding, job loss, diagnoses and health issues, and significant life changes that have brought grief to new levels.
Collectively, we are experiencing so much change. The world around us, the environment, our communities, inside our own families – all of these places are spaces for change.
While we often think grief is about the death of a loved one, there are other difficult life circumstances that create a deep sense of loss. Divorce is top among those experiences.
I’ve always thought outdoor spaces have something to teach us about vulnerability, loss, recovery and renewal. It was in the barn, backyard, woods, and fields of my childhood where I learned these valuable life lessons.
There are many qualities and characteristics in the journey of loss. Sadness, regret, confusion, anger, doubt and remorse among them.
The sky outside my window is completely gray. To say it is overcast would be an understatement. In a place where the sun shines every day, these overcast skies feel particularly oppressive.
I still use a paper calendar. Even though I keep up with my Google calendar when scheduling or organizing, there’s just something about my paper calendar. (I know I’m dating myself here).
When was the last time you experienced a power outage? Living in a wooded area in central Indiana, power outages where a very real possibility. Wind and ice could bring down limbs or whole trees and with them take out the power lines.
For weeks now, the holiday season has been getting attention. From extended “Black Friday,” sales to the opportunities to attend special musical events, it is all around us.
There’s an old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. I think there is truth in that saying. For instance, on my desk are some dear pictures of my mom as a girl.