Let the phone go

Want a virtual kick in the ass?

Go through your husbands phone after he dies. 

Look at all of the photos, text messages, emails, music, notes, etc.

See what a funny, smart, kind, hard working, and loving man he was and how much he loved his family.  Let the text messages and recorded calls go - reading them or listening to them will wreck you every time.  Upload all of the photos you think you will want to save.  You don't need ones that show serial numbers on the dryer, or post-it notes from his job.  Delete the contacts, unless you want to jot down numbers for that guy who came and fixed the roof after a storm, or the real estate agent who you may need again.  Uninstall the myriad of apps he had on there - he was really into apps!  Then re-set the phone back to factory settings and let one of your kids have it, because your husband purchased this new phone two months before he died and someone can use it.

You've already donated all of the shoes and clothing.  Taken the old glasses to the eye doctor for charity.  Given all of his office equipment back to his employer.  Paid off his truck and kept it maintained - for now.  You put his jewelry in a safe place.  Organized his tools and camping equipment in the garage.

Now, let the phone go.

Mood boosters

 The subject of improving my mood came up because, no shame, I am getting off antidepressants and learning to deal with Life and Grief as it comes.  Might as well compile a list of things I can put into play.  Some of them might help, but none of them will hurt.  So here's the list of things, for me to do, that I have compiled from many sources.

A big one for me might also be to put my feet up and relax more often on my patio while listening to nature all around me and step away from the To Do lists...

Take a social media break

Wake up earlier

Get some sun (vitamin D)

Do a quick tidy up of a messy space

Write in your journal

Text a friend

Write a letter to your mother

Chew gum

Take a walk/do yoga/exercise

Smile at people, chat with a stranger

Listen to music (not the sad variety), dance {altho sad music can be cathartic and help you "cry it out",  happy music will elevate your mood}

Eat healthy foods; cook yourself something good

Light a candle

Drinks lots of water

Stay social, engage in cultural activities

Volunteer

Garden 

Make a thankful list, reflect on the good

Watch something funny

Give someone a hug

Pet a dog or cat

Take Omega 3's, get some vitamin C

Practice slow deep breathing, check your posture

Do puzzles

Pray, meditate

Buy yourself fresh flowers

Eat chocolate

Visualize your best self

Cuddle something soft (like a blanket or pillow)

Spend time with your loved ones

Create and craft

Use scents: geranium, citrus, lavender, fresh grass

Aim for eudamonic happiness - this is gained by doing things that provide meaning and give you a sense of striving to be your best self

I am a work in progress, for sure.