Many people want to know how I got to where I am now. They are referring to my journey through grief, from heartache to a place of hope and renewal. It’s a difficult question to answer because there have been so many things that have influenced my personal journey of loss. So many factors that led to the evolution of me if you like. Too many to answer easily or in one blog post.
So I decided instead to share some of my favourite things. Those things that supported me, physically, emotionally and spiritually and helped me heal in so many different ways. I dont believe that many people can get through a crisis alone. I certainly couldn’t. I needed help from wherever I could get it and this pick became my very own support crew.
Influential Book: “Growing through Personal Crisis” by Harmon Hartcell (An Edgar Cayce Guide) This helped me so much in the early period of my grieving, it was like a roadmap through the chaos.
Soothing Music: Bach.
Inspirational Book: “To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings” by John O’Donohue. Any of his books actually, Anam Cara, Eternal Echoes. I love the celtic spirituality all through his writing.
Spiritual Text: I use many, but probably go back to The Bible most often.
Comfort Food: It’s gotta be chocolate.
Personal Resource: Other people who have been there before me.
Uplifting Song: Proud by Heather Small.
Grief and Loss Quote: Mourning is a spiritual journey of the heart and soul.
Courage Quote: Dragons Power is mine: To rise up roaring, To fly above sorrow, To see treasure gleaming…..L Weatherstone
Grief Buddy: My daughter, Bonnie – we share our sadness, our memories, our challenges and our celebrations.
Sacred Place for Connecting: Walking a labyrinth, allowing its path to lead me in and out to a place beyond what I know.
Sacred Place for Reflection: Being in nature. Walking along the beach, then sitting on a rock and looking out to sea for as long as I need to.
Everyday Ritual: Saying hello to my son every day when I check my i-phone. His happy face looks out at me and smiles back.
Most Useful Grief Tool: This would have to be journaling. It has been absolutely instrumental in my grief healing. I have many and use them most days.
Grief Supporter: My mind.
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
And you are my grief buddy. So grateful to have you in my life and have not only a wonderful Mum, but an incredible best friend and grief buddy. Love you all the stars. So proud of you xxx
Saying the same back at you….love you all the stars and more xx
Beautiful! Have you done the Yallingup Maze yet? I didn’t find it relaxing, but I almost peed myself laughing it was SO much fun!
I havent Janine but would like to with my grandaughter. A maze is a very different thing to a labyrinth. In a maze there are lots of paths to take, some right , some wrong. In a labyrinth there is only one path, the path in leads you out the same way – its stress free!
This is a wonderful share, Maureen.
And, while not everything works the same for all, it’s a great start for those who DON”T want to have to walk a mile in your shoes- in the desert. This should make the journey either shorter, more comforting- or both.
Thanks Roy – I sincerely hope it helps and is a kick start for others very own support crew.
Another great post filled with terrific advice. I’m also a labyrinth fan. This is a long post, but in the end I get around to talking about labyrinths and what they mean to me.
http://bluedollarbill.blogspot.com/2010/10/thoms-labyrinth.html#.TjNWC835uIc
Thom I loved your post and commented. What an amazing experience to have. I think once you have experienced the magic of a labyrinth it stays with you forever.
What a great post! I had many of the same types of supports going through my journey….for me the soothing music was also Bach. I listened to his classics everyday in the hospital to relax….my other music was eva cassidy.
We share so many your supports in common it is uncanny.
I wrote this post about the book that got me through the toughest times in my treatments.
http://www.aaronoutward.com/2010/10/mans-search-for-meaning.html
Hope you enjoy:)
Thank you for this post, you reminded me of so many of the things that make me happy…
I am off to listen to Cello Suite No 1 now
Aaron I also listen to Eva Cassidy too but have to be mindful of when I do, as I find her words and music so emotive I usually end up in tears.
So many people I know have read Victor Frankl’s masterpiece and yet I have not, maybe it is time. Thanks so much for the link.
Its interesting isnt it how in life we bump into other people who do share commonalities, its what makes this very existence of ours so very interesting.
Enjoy Mr Bach
Hey Maureen,
The chocolate had all my attention…had to be the first and the most loved. Loved the list though… quite inspiring. Thanks for reminding us to think about those who do get us here!
Yes, the chocolate had to be in there Hajra, I’m a chocolate girl
Thanks for your supportive comments.
This is an awesome list, Maureen! Not only do you share your wisdom with us, but it’s also inspiring to see how well you take care of yourself. Leading by example is the best way to lead. Journaling and connecting with nature are two of my favorites. I was immediately drawn to Heather Small’s voice, thinking I had never heard the song before. Then when it got to the chorus I realized that it’s the theme song to the US version of The Biggest Loser reality TV show. Very uplifting!
Adriene, I think I have learnt to take care of myself, though I often feel I took better care of myself when I was in the midst of my pain than I do now – its so easy to slip in the day to day business of life.
I’m glad you like journaling and nature too and thanks for the info about Heather Small. I havent watched The Biggest Loser so didnt know, I first heard the song when I watched the TV series Queer as Folk many years ago. It is an incredibly powerful song.
Maureen,
Thanks for your caring, comforting words for those of us when we are in pain. Even if it is not the grief of your kind of loss, there can be grief for so many other different reasons, and this kind of post helps point the way to how to deal with it and get through it. I concur that journaling, music and reading certain books are three major grief and sorrow aids.
There are so many losses in life, I think we all need a bit of support to get us through any. Glad you find comfort from the ones that matter to you Pennie.
A wonderful source of good information here Maureen. I agree, journaling is a wonderful way to take what is within and get out, out onto paper but then to review and ponder.
Yes it certainly is Lynn, I have heaps of journals and love them all.
What a beautiful post. You’ve inspired me to make my own list. I think it will take some thought, but I’m going to make one!
Thanks Lalia – let me know when you’ve got your list happening. I find it so interesting to read what inspires, comforts and supports others through lifes ups and downs.
God bless you for your work.
Thank you so much Bonnie x
Thanks for this post. As far as grief is concerned, I tend to feel alone and on my own. It’s good to know that there are resources out there!
So many people do feel alone. Tonight alone on my facebook page it is a common theme. I am glad my post has helped those to see there are resources out there – thanks so much for your insight xx
Hi Maureen,
Simply beautiful and touching. It’s wonderful that you are open about sharing the resources that have helped you – something that could also be valuable to others who may be going through a grieving period.
Hugs,
Diana
Thanks Diana. I know I always find those lists so very interesting, similar to the business ones you see, the roladex of resources. It just is so very helpful.
Thanks for this glimpse into your heart, Maureen! This post had be reminiscing on some of my favorite things through moments/periods of grief. My comfort food was a certain kind of instant noodles and I also reached out to those who had gone through something similar. =)
Samantha, I think we all have those things that sustain us through difficult times and comfort food is just one of them. As much as so many people can be a huge strength and support to us, often it is those who have walked the path before who really understand. x
This was such a simple post, yet so heartfelt and moving. Thanks for sharing your rituals and support system Maureen. This is a very useful entry, much like giving us all a very organized tool box!
It is isnt it Joy, I love those toolboxes of tips, tricks and resources that other people use. Thanks for your special comments.
Thanks for sharing about yourself Maureen! You inspire and encourage so many!
Aaaww, thank you Jen
Thank you for sharing Maureen. The list is a very useful tool. Some of us use the resources here but not consciously. Perhaps in darker moments if we all had our list we would know what to turn too in any given moment. I totally identify with the walk on the beach and looking out to see. It is very soothing for me.
Isn’t the sea just beautiful Mary….I go back and back and keep going back and back….
I agree Maureen. İ can live without mountains and forest but not without being near the sea. İt has been my ‘drug of choice’ since İ was very young.