Don’t Let Life Keep You Down

Folks, this has been one of those weeks.  I am sure that you have had them too.  It is after midnight. Sleep will not come.  I need to write.  As I have said before, writing is healthy.  It is time to stand up and continue on.  Life is to be lived.  It is short.  Even in the most difficult times, there are things that we can do to keep life from keeping us down.  This is but a few of those things, in addition to writing, that helps me.

1. If you receive a message by text or face book that is upsetting, try to accept the fact that texting is the way things are done in this modern day and time. It is a way to communicate.  If it upsets you then let that person know.  If you don’t need email or text then you might want to consider taking it off your telephone and computer. Learn from written messages.   We must remember that there are real people using computers and telephones.  We do not know how their life is going.  They may be  suffering from an illness, or going through a difficult time.    Be appropriate when communicating.
2. Do not expect others to think like you do.  Do not expect others to deal with death or any grief situation like you do.  Everyone has their own way of working through things in their own time.
3. Try not to take your anxiety out on someone that is close to you, as you go through your grief process.  They are grieving too, but they are NOT YOU.   Share your feelings but respect the feelings of others too.
4. When you get to the anger part of grief, do not give up. Feel it!  If it is necessary to drop a tear or two, then do it.  Try to keep your mind focused on the moment.  Stay centered.  Be real!  Share with people that understand and care.  Do what you need to do.  Just don’t allow anger to become YOU.
5. Use slogans such as, “Easy Does It, First Things First, and Keep It Simple, This Too Shall Pass.  Try to get in touch with the spiritual part of yourself.
6. Take time to breathe.  Do not go back to unhealthy habits or behaviors.  Remember, this only sabotages getting through the grief.  It hurts you and sometimes those closest to you.
7. Kick something. Smack a pillow.  Tear up a telephone book.  Get rid of that negative energy.  There is enough hurt right at the moment.   Be gentle with yourself.
8. Cry if you must.  Those are your tears.  You can let them drop.  If you are a man and feel it will hurt your image, then go some where alone.  Let them flow.  Crying is natural.  Let those tears wash away the pain, then wipe your face off, get up, and face the world.  You can do it!  After all you are a boomer, remember!
9. Show compassion.  Be real.  Do not deny your feelings.  Console others.  Listen.  Rest. Do what you need to do to deal.  It is your life.  You have that right.  Exercise your rights as a boomer with wisdom in a constructive,understanding and loving way.
10. Grief is a natural part of life that must be done in order to carry on.  Be who you are.  Put your best foot forward.  You are experiencing life.  You will probably remember happy times, sad times and  laughter.   That is what LOVE  is all about and this is life.  Live it!  Share your feelings and thoughts because much later in your life, you may find yourself at an age, or in a situation where you are unable to communicate.

I just wrote some of my thoughts and feelings down. I have shared them with you.  It helps to write.  I want to thank those that have encouraged me to write again as I put on my big girl pants and continue on in this thing called life.  By sharing, I hope that you always know that there is someone out there that cares.  You are not alone.  Put on your big girl or guy pants and take a boomer walk with me.  Peace, love and light!

Senior Centers offer lots of support – see SeniorCenterDirectory.com

Originally posted 2012-02-10 15:26:36.