Saturday Morning Message: Practicing Self Care
Author: Carol Lane
Good morning,
Often while grieving we care for others in our friends/family circle, but it is really important to take a bit of time each day to do something we enjoy. One thing that lifts my spirits is to sit and talk with a friend like these survivors are doing at a TAPS seminar. That is why I like attending TAPS events. There I meet other survivors and form friendships. When I am at home, I make plans to visit friends at least a few times a week. These experiences make me feel less lonely and is my way of practicing self care. Other survivors have shared their ideas in the response section of this week’s Saturday Morning Message. I hope you will find these ideas helpful.
Remember, you can write to me anytime — to contribute, subscribe or if you have thoughts on what could make the Saturday Morning Message more helpful. I look forward to hearing from you. My email address is online@taps.org.
Hugs,
Carol Lane
Mother of Bryon
Answers from Survivors
Responses from Survivors to last week's question: What do you do to practice self care?
From Bobbie, mother of Eric: Snuggling with my two fur babies Sophie and Maxi. They bring me such unconditional love and comfort.
From Alida, mother of Nathan: I get out in nature. I might do a casual hike or ride my bike or go to the coast. Sometimes I don’t go anywhere. I stay home and watch the wildlife around my house while drinking a beverage. Another thing I have done is garden. Essentially, I take time for me. I am no good to anyone if I do not take care of myself.
From Christine, spouse of Brett: Buying vinyl records and listening to music. Taking a super hot bubble bath. Getting 8 hours of good sleep.
From Mary, daughter of William: I went to my favorite special place where I meditate and enjoy nature today. It's a very special tree I call the Mary Tree which is at a park near my current and childhood home. This tree juts out over the lake, so children can climb on it and fish. It is one-of-a-kind and it is all mine for that moment. I used to walk to it (about a mile from my house) when I was in college after losing my dad and visiting my mom for the weekend.
From Betty, mother of Brian: Designing jewelry. I love to have my hands busy being creative, my mind designing and not eating things I shouldn’t!
If you would like to send a message thanking one or all of those who participated in this week’s Saturday Morning Message, send it to me at online@taps.org and I will make sure your thoughts are passed along to them.
Question for Next Week’s Saturday Morning Message
Grief brings some unsettling emotions. Let’s share ideas we use to soften these feelings. The question this week is: What do you do to ease the anxiety, stress and tension of grief? We look forward to your responses.
Questions are the backbone of the Saturday Morning Message. In order to keep it fresh, I am looking for more questions. If you have questions or topics you would like to see addressed, you can email me at online@taps.org. I directly receive all responses that are sent to this address. Replies to the weekly question are best sent to me by Tuesday morning. You are an important part of this message, and I look forward to your questions or any ideas you may have.
♫ Song for the Week
When I was looking for a song, "Strong Enough," sung by Matthew West came up and I thought it was perfect for this week’s topic of self care. He sings about times in our lives when things get rough, but we don’t have to face them alone or be strong enough. We need to reach out for help and there will always be someone there, just as TAPS is for us. The video really shows what he means.
You can send your favorite songs for this song of the week section at online@taps.org and include a note about why the song is meaningful to you.
Related Stories
Saturday Morning Message: Self Care Strategies
Taking care of yourself while grieving can be the last thing on your mind, but it is important. Read articles TAPS published with ideas to help with grieving.
Saturday Morning Message: Take Good Care
Read 10 resolutions to help someone grieving as well as what survivors are going to do in the new year to take care of themselves.
Other Items and Events of Interest
Join us on Memorial Day Weekend, May 28 to 30, for our 27th Annual National Military Survivor Seminar! We will be live streaming all of our general sessions with guest speakers.
Important Note: In-person registration is still open, but we are in a waitlist situation due to COVID occupancy restrictions in the State of Virginia.
If you have any questions, email seminarregistrations@taps.org or call our Helpline at 202.588.TAPS (8277).
▶▶ Connect With Your TAPS Family
You can discover all the opportunities to connect with your TAPS Family on our website at the TAPS Event Calendar.
About the Saturday Morning Message
The Saturday Morning Message (SMM) is a weekly communication contributed by survivors. The primary focus of the SMM is to foster peer-based connections for support and encouragement. It is the goal of this communication to foster a safe, supportive place where we can openly share in a nonjudgmental and caring manner. Read and contribute as you are comfortable. Content submitted for the SMM is edited for space considerations and may be used in other TAPS publications. The loving family at TAPS is available to you 24 hours a day. Please call 202-588-TAPS (8277).