AARP Online Community and Discussion Forums - Enjoying the beauty of the day

SueS788527 · ‎12-11-2023

As I continue my grieving journey, I am realizing that the view can be inspiring and beautiful, especially at this time of the year. I put up my tree for the first time in years. I kept it simple – artificial, built in lights, small. Less than a half hour to set up and decorate. I just let me mind travel with the ornaments. Nothing fancy, just taking out some older handmade items made by my mother. It turned out better than I expected. Now I sit every morning with a cup of coffee admiring my tree and enjoying the view and the coming day. It turned out that it took much less effort than I thought. Go with the flow. Simple enjoyment of the everyday things has put my travels in a new perspective. I can still remember my lost loved one, but I can also live today with some peace of mind and serenity. That has meant a lot to me. Sometimes I overthink my situation and view every new activity as a task, too much trouble and not worth it. It turns out there is room for grieving and admiring the beauty of the season. It all around us. We just must feel it and know we can find the simple joy today during this holiday season. Just sharing. Your friend, Sue 🎄

DianeS537579 · ‎12-23-2023

Thank you for your kind thoughts. Having just lost my husband in August, the holidays are difficult. A small tree is in the den with ornaments.we Always love looking at the lights. Christmas was our favorite holiday, So reading your thoughts Give me another perspective And it feels good Merry Christmas

SueS788527 · ‎12-23-2023

Hi, Diane, good hearing from you. Please take it slow. The first year is hard and quite frankly I don't remember much. However, the fact that you are reading the AARP Grief Forum posts is good and helps to know and share feelings with others who also lost loved ones. Hope you can have a peaceful holiday and please know that there are probably many of us who care about you and wish you well. Your friend, Sue