One Thing You Can’t Live Without

You may be grieving a loss today or walking alongside someone who is grieving. Regardless of how you show up today, there’s one thing you and I can’t live without.

This one thing was the theme of the grief group I facilitated this week.

This one thing is also a must for companions of grieving people who want to stay fully present and not be overcome by compassion fatigue as you give yourself to others.

What’s the one thing? SELF-CARE

It’s what the poem The Mountain is all about. I’ve shared this poem before but when I read it again this week, it hit me very differently. Because of that, I thought it was worth sharing again because maybe someone needs to hear it again.

Give yourself permission today to step back so you can step forward.

The Mountain

a poem by Laura Ding-Edwards

If the mountain seems too big today

then climb a hill instead;

If morning brings you sadness

it’s okay to stay in bed.

If the day ahead feels heavy and your plans feel like a curse,

There’s no shame in rearranging,

don’t make yourself feel worse.

If a shower stings like needles

and a bath feels like you’ll drown;

If you haven’t washed your hair for days,

don’t throw away your crown!

A day is not a lifetime.

A rest is not defeat.

Don’t think of it as failure,

Just a quiet, kind retreat.

It’s okay to take a moment

From an anxious, fractured mind.

The world will not stop turning

While you get realigned!

The mountain will still be there

When you want to try again

You can climb it in your own time,

Just love yourself till then!

Final Reflections

How did this poem speak to you? Journal your thoughts or share them with me in an email.

Push the pause button on pushing yourself.

Rest a while.

Catch your breath.

Rearrange your schedule.

Take time to grieve.

Take time to fill your tank so you can be there for others.

Your future self will thank you.