Wednesday 27 October 2021

Gently Does It

I would like to thank everyone who left such kind and thoughtful messages on my previous post, and also to those who contacted me directly. It means so very much to me to know there are virtual arms wrapped around me just now, and your words are held most dear.



It's a difficult time and although outwardly I appear to be continuing as usual, I am finding it a monumental effort to complete even the most simple of tasks. In fact, without the routine of my working week, it has become increasingly difficult for me to find the motivation to attempt very much at all. This is fine, however, and all part of the process, no doubt. It's just taking a bit of getting used to, going completely against my usual 'get on with it' attitude. I'm learning to go with the flow and prioritise the basics, such as cooking, cleaning and doing the laundry but, importantly and most unlike me, I am resting whenever I feel the need. 



With the weather having been gloomy and miserable of late, it was with great relief we were able to seize the opportunity for a walk on Monday morning. That I could manage - literally putting one foot in front of the other. I can think of no better way to clear my head and switch off for a while. Gentle exercise and fresh air are the best forms of therapy, in my opinion, and I did feel so much better for it. Returning home feeling tired but relaxed, and my heavy heart just that little bit lighter. 

J. X


42 comments:

  1. I was sorry to read about the loss of your father. I am glad that you are taking the time you need to rest, relax and recover. Walks in the lovely outdoors have lifted my spirits many times and keep me going when I am feeling low. Hope you continue to feel a little better each day. Take care.

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    1. Thank you, Ellen. I am a great believer in the restorative powers of nature. X

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  2. And now, I don't know..... Is all this, a reaction to the death of your father? Or were you sick, as it sounded?

    I'm sorry if I misunderstood. It's been a while and I did not remember that your father died, until I just went back and checked your last post.

    Again, sorry, if I misunderstood.
    Gentle hugs...

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  3. So sorry to hear about your Dad, just take one day at a time and be kind to yourself. Sending hugs. xx

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  4. I'm sorry you're going through this Jules and as you quite rightly say, gently does it. I wish I had the right words but I'm glad you know how much your blogging friends care about you. Take care xx

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    1. It's enough to know that you are thinking of me, Eileen. Xx

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  5. I'm glad that a walk in the fresh air helped, if only a little. Your photos, as always, are lovely with the autumn colours :)

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    1. Thank you, Eunice. Much like yourself, I am a great believer in getting outdoors whenever I can. X

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  6. Thank goodness for your beautiful scenery. Getting out and breathing deeply does help. Take care. Cyber hugs from my corner. B x

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    1. Thank you, Barbara. The weather was changeable but it felt so good to be out. X

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  7. Your photographs are lovely to see.

    Taking one day at a time, being kind to yourself and yes, gentle exercise and fresh air are all good things to do at this sad time.

    Thinking of you.

    All the best Jan

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  8. I am sure outdoors is the best place to be at the moment, surrounded by nature and light. Your dad will be with you every step of the way and slowly life will emerge once again. Just do as you are doing there is no rush to grieving. Take care...sending hugs xx

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    1. Thank you, Vivien. I'm so glad we got out at the beginning of the week, as the weather turned much more 'challenging' as the days went on. X

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  9. Thinking of you my dear - tough times will pass

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  10. We all need time to mourn our loved ones when they die. And how long it takes varies from one person to another. I'm glad that walking helped. Beautiful scenery, as always. (((HUGS)))

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    1. Thank you, Bless. I'm learning to listen to myself, for once :) and taking each day as it comes. X

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  11. One day at a time and you will be surprised when you look back how much your mood has improved. Stay healthy!

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  12. You have the most beautiful scenery. And your photographs are stunning. A walk and looking at all of this and fresh air I am sure helped you.

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    1. A walk in the fresh air always goes a long way to help. X

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  13. I am away from home and have been out of circulation on and off so I missed yoour last post and was very sorry to read just now about the loss of your father. I hope that your body and mind start to feel better very soon.

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    1. Thank you, Graham. And I hope all is well with you. X

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  14. Allowing grief to happen is painful but I am glad you find a few distractions, like a beautiful walk. I am thinking of you.

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  15. Hi,I did find that living in a Beautiful environment helped me.I too love to walk and in the rain too.But,slowly slowly grief has it's own process and everyone is different coping with it.Thinking of you all the time.Huge Huggles xx

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    1. Thank you, Lee. I'm much more of a fair weather walker myself :) But getting outdoors, in the fresh air, always feels good. X

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  16. Walking, particularly when your surroundings are so uplifting, can help lighten the load, but grief can not be hurried. Sending hugs

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  17. I'm so glad the rain stopped for you to enjoy time outside in your beautiful surroundings.
    Thanking of you. xxx

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    1. Thank you, Vix. The walk, although fairly short, was much needed. X

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  18. Jules, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. Sending you virtual hugs xxx

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  19. Hey there - sending you love and our sincere condolences xx

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  20. Take your time and do what feels right for you each day. Hope the lovely walks will help a little and help with the process your going through. All my love x

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    1. Thank you, Beverley. I'm taking each day as it comes and trying not to expect too much from myself just now. X

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  21. You are right to be kind to yourself by resting, eating food and taking fresh air walks when you can. Big, big hugs xXx

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