Talking About
We examine why mourning the loss of normal life is a valid form of grief
Mourning the everyday
During one of the most surreal times in living memory, we’re experiencing a global pandemic, forced to stay in our homes in order to protect ourselves and those around us. We have found ourselves trapped in Groundhog Day.
Thousands of families have grieved losses, millions of key workers have risked their safety, and all of us have lost any sense of normality. Gone are the days of meeting friends for coffee, dining with family at weekends and nattering with the hairdresser dyeing your roots.
But while we mustn’t forget the bigger picture, there’s nothing wrong with missing the little things. After all, they made up the fabric of our day-to-day lives.
And now, as we all navigate our way through, trying to find a (temporary) new normal, our columnist has realised just how much she had taken for granted.
‘GONE IS COFFEE WITH FRIENDS’
Woman’s
Change is always hard, whether it’s something you want or like or, as at present, when we’ve had a whole new way of life forced upon us. And we don’t just miss the big things – a little loss like the cheery ‘Hello!’ from people you usually see on your way to work can leave you bereft. The best way to cope with any loss is to first acknowledge it. Give yourself permission to be missing it. Mourn – feel sad and even cry. Then look forward to it coming back one day. Also, take a moment to count the upsides. Time with family? Chats with friends? Or even the fact you can hear the birds, with less traffic! says she misses the simple things, like birthday hugs for her sister and time with her girlfriends. (£9.99, Reddoor) With almost 40 years’ experience in grief counselling and funeral care, Lianna Champ provides readers with comforting and practical advice on dealing with loss.
This award-winning podcast is hosted by comedian Cariad Lloyd. Each week, she chats to a different funny person about their experiences of grief and death. It’s cheerier than it sounds. Available on Acast, itunes or all podcast apps.
Focusing on meditation and mindfulness, Headspace (available to download for free on the App Store or Google Play) works to improve the health and happiness of the world. It offers a free ‘Weathering the storm’ series, in response to COVID-19. Topics include navigating change, reframing anxiety, at-home workouts, and focus and advice for tough times.
TOOLS TO HELP YOU THROUGH
revealed that lockdown meant her sister Martha’s hen party in Marbella had been cancelled.
RUTH LANGSFORD, 60, been wowing
viewers with her lockdown looks, she’s missing her glam squad!
Cushion, £10, John Lewis & Partners £11.99, Zara Home
Lobster serving plate, £12, Sainsbury’s Home