So the time has finally come to compose my first post on a blog that I had wanted to start for over a decade. My initial reluctance to create a post was one of fear of the comments I would receive and how my ramblings would be received.
Initially my WordPress page was created after receiving some news that a beloved family pet had died suddenly. The range of emotions I felt was hard to put into words. I felt that the best way was to deal with my feelings was to feel the stroke of keys under my fingers as I typed my thoughts, feelings and emotions into my computer.
Alas, this did not happen and I dealt with it in other ways that did not involve adding anything to my blog. The site was created back in 2012 and was left untouched for more than a decade.
Over a decade ago the world was embracing the 2012 Olympic Games. I was fortunate enough to be successful in the ticket ballot to watch mat wrestling in London. It was great to see the changes the nation went through with increased interest in all sports and showcasing the best that Great Britain has to offer.
Several colleagues I worked with at Tesco applied to be chauffeurs, games makers and other roles supporting the Olympic Games. People I knew from my time “treading the boards” on the Amateur Theatre scene were involved in the opening, closing ceremonies and being games makers. These memories would be once in a lifetime opportunities and frequent reminders would grace Facebook yearly. Smiles would be shared as well as stories being told about how there was such positivity in the the country and the world at the time.
Coming back to the sole purpose for my first post, dealing with loss. Having hesitated for over a decade I am pleased to admit that I need not have worried. Of course, the comments may change my mind but reflecting back on the year that was 2012 has brought many a smile to my face.
Reflection is a good tool to use that may trigger emotions and memories both sad, happy and everything in-between. It may also trigger the urge look at pictures, posts on social media and ultimately recounting stories with loved ones and friends. I would always advocate doing this and not leaving it for as long as I have to deal with life events of the past.
Support and help is always only a phone call away. Talking to friends and family is always encouraged or like I have (eventually) writing your thoughts and feelings into a diary or as I have a blog. There is no correct way but finding a way to pull together how an event makes you feel is a starting point. How you then process the emotions and deal with following stages should be tailored to suit your own needs.
From personal experience you can be referred to talking therapies that can support your journey. You will be exposed to a number of tools and a framework that will help you. It will require commitment and not every tool will work for you, but doing the little things and having small targets will really help you in the long run.
Use the link below for further information on various helplines and crisis contacts that can offer support to you.
https://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/helplines-and-crisis-contacts
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