Lessons from the first year

 April 9th.    

 Reflecting back on the last year, here's some things I know to be true.

1. Life moves on at the same pace it did before.
2. Pain of loss doesn't go away, it just becomes strength inside you.
3. If you want to be sad all day, you can, but its not a good use of your time.
4. Empathy grows, always
5. So does compassion
6. Sharing your experience might feel difficult, and although maybe not immediately, you feel better later knowing that you're not alone. 
7. Happiness is a choice you need to make as often as humanly possible
8. Being happy does not diminish grief, it means you are trying to be happy despite the pain you might feel inside.
9. What others think of your grief journey is none of your business. If they think you're doing it wrong, let them. 
10. You don't have to answer to anyone but yourself. Do what you need to do to get to being happy fastest.
11. Outside doesn't have to match the inside. Smiling through the pain doesn't make it less authentic
12. The only person who can help you to find joy in your days  is yourself. 
13. Misery loves company, But the company you keep wont love your misery.
14. Ask for support
15. Talk about your feelings to your friends.
16. Let people know if your having a bad day, but also think about how you can make it better and do that.
17. A walk will always, always help.
18. So will drinking more water.
19. Your diet affects your mood. Eat whatever you want, but keep that in mind.  If you are feeling down and you eat deep fried food, you might feel worse. So make that conscious choice and do what feels right in the moment.
20. Sleep. 
21. If you can't sleep, get off your phone and read a book. 
22. Deep Breaths.
23. Be active. Sweat sometimes. Its like sweating our your tears instead of crying them out.
24. Hug your friends.
25. Don't dwell on the past.  Remember it for the lessons, the joyous times, the hard times. Learn from it, don't get stuck there. 

At the end of it all, being sad or down is no way to spend your days.

Be happy. Remember the good times. And find joy in every day.

Dad,   I miss you every day.  I wish I could hug you.  But I still talk to you often.

 I'm doing ok and trying every day to choose happiness and joy.

Love you forever.

Booboo. ( Joanne. )