Listen to Your Thoughts and Feelings

Do you ever feel like you can't hear yourself think?

Sometimes I would feel like I couldn't stop, look, and listen to my own thoughts and feelings because I was dealing with all of the increased demands of life without Bob.

In time,  I learned how important it is to make the time for quiet reflection.  With the  holidays just around the corner~and all the commotion and mixed feelings they may bring~quiet reflection can be a way to alleviate stress, and listen to your heart.  A little bit of quiet reflection goes a long way and can help you to slow down and really think about the way your life has changed.  It can also be helpful when you need to make an important decision or concentrating on something meaningful to you.  Perhaps you may just want to focus on your grief or on memories of your loved one.

Here are some ways I use to hear myself think.

~Walking is great exercise and an easy way to get away from the telephone, mail, and endless to-do lists that can be so overwhelming. I visit my local park because it is close to nature with its wooded walking paths and a beautiful lake.  Sometimes I just walk around my neighborhood.  Hint: leave the cell phone and IPod home~ you are supposed to hear yourself think!
 
~Whether or not you are religious, any house of worship can be a quiet sanctuary for deep thinking. Sometimes I visit my church during the week to light candles for the loved ones I've lost.  It is a peaceful and reassuring place for me to be alone with my thoughts.

~I do some of my best thinking in the bath. I pour in some fragrant bubbles and let the quiet wash over me.  Hint: the ringer on my bedroom phone is turned off and the cell phone is left downstairs.

There are so many ways for you to hear yourself think.  Be creative and find what is right for you.

Until next time ~ the  clouds will clear and you will find your way
Paula