Welcome to Healthy Aging after Loss
September is Healthy Aging Month, so here you’ll find information and resources to help you make healthier choices, especially if you have experienced the loss of a child. Are you thinking, “What could loss have to do with healthy aging?” In times of grief, healthy aging may be the last thing you’re concerned with.
I understand. But your health usually takes a big hit after a loss – especially the loss of a child. It may not be a priority immediately after the loss. Mourning and grief flow in. But research shows that grief and the stress of losing a loved one accelerate aging.
If you are a woman over 50, realizing the impact the loss has on your health is vitally important. It may sound impossible, but you can honor your loved one AND care for yourself.
I was in a bottomless pit after my son passed. I neglected my health to the point of having a recurrence of cancer. My son would not have wanted that for me.
So, I’ll share my journey of reaching a place of peace and gratitude. I’ll share ways to take baby steps forward.
As much as the phrase “life goes on” seems to trivialize the pain, it is true. And you have to move forward without your child. Maybe you don’t even want life to go on. Yet, there’s probably something that gently wants to pull you forward.
There’s no time frame for grief. Your grief is unique because each experience and relationship is different. But your loss does not have to be a life sentence of perpetual sadness. And honestly, learning how to navigate grief without continually damaging your health is essential.
Please remember that the underlying focus here is moving forward in a healthy way. Discovering a renewed purpose. Gaining a new perspective. Becoming ok with being happy again.
Your heart won’t ever be the same. Your physical body probably has changed too. Still…we move forward.
Paulo Coehlo, one of my favorite authors, said,
“Tears are words that need to be written.”
This blog evolved from all my tears. I’ll share my journey, what I’m learning and discovering, what helped and what didn’t work out as I hoped.
The aches and pain that come from loss will not be ignored. The aches and pains that come with getting older won’t be ignored.
If you’re willing and open, you can learn how to honor your son or daughter and move from grief to gratitude to joy. Even if you don’t see how to get there, trust that all it takes is willingness and taking one baby step after another.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I am honored to be able to share thoughts and resources to hopefully help in a small way. I celebrate you and your child. I respect the courage it took for you to find me and to consider taking small steps to move forward.
