Some of the ideas in Christina Rasmussen's book Second Firsts about life after loss have been helpful to me. Under what she calls Life Re-entry she suggests you try to 'plug in' to the wider world 'even if only five per cent'.
I think perhaps last year I was doing that intuitively. Supported by wonderful family and friends (including the friends I have made here on this blog) I joined in many lovely events, shared holidays and get-togethers.
A phrase used by 'Widower of the Parish' in his Guardian newspaper column about living 'the same life but sadder' stayed with me though, so recently my efforts at plugging in have taken a different twist...
Perhaps you have also suffered a loss, are in a bit of a rut, or are just feeling in need of a boost? I can recommend trying making a few small changes from the categories in Rasmussen's list -
Hair. I changed my hairstyle, just a bit.
Clothes. I started wearing the clothes less worn instead of choosing the same things from the wardrobe all the time, and bought a new dress and wore it!
Travel. I am making some tentative plans..
Hobbies. I am trying to take a real interest in cooking.
People. I am reaching out more.
Books. I am asking friends for recommendations.
Tomorrow - other authors and websites I've found helpful including Leo Babauta, Atul Gawande, Sheryl Sandberg and Patsy Rosenberg.
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