Dear Rose # 50 - Grief Triggers and Using Proud Lists to Navigate Hard Feelings

Rose is an amalgam of us - women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond who are looking for somewhere they are seen, heard and listened to.

Dear Rose,

I just watched a TV show that cut a bit close to the bones of grief. Some of the themes in the episode mirrored my relationship with Sara just a bit too clearly.

I had a meltdown. I spent a few moments wishing I wasn’t sober so I could numb this fresh emotional pain. And then, I wrote this list of things I was proud of from the past week:

•  I taught a great yoga class for women with pelvic pain and was called an exceptional yoga teacher.

• I had a heart-to-heart with a friend I hadn’t seen in ages, and she said I have the best boundaries of anyone she knows.

• I spoke up about something important to me at work instead of avoiding conflict, and when I told a friend, she said she was proud of me.

• I completed two strength training sessions at home and feel less pain every day.

• I made my eight-year-old nephew smile with a perfect birthday gift.

Once I finished my list, the pain had subsided just enough that I could smile when I remembered Sara, instead of cry.

Love, Em xx