Thank you Katherine for encouraging me to post and everyone else for reaching out to me. I was moved by Katherine's concern that someone will feel afraid and alone during her absence.....what a beautiful person. I feel grateful to have found this group. I plan to listen to Katherine's advice and put my energy into what I can control and let go of the rest. Yesterday during a walk I thought about the damage stress does to our health and not to mention our relationships. At the moment it's all about "operation stress management" and being kind to myself. I am blessed to have beautiful people in my life.
Katherine I hope you've a great vacation! Winnie

Winnie, you are well on your way toward working through this with that great attitude of yours! You are so right in understanding the destructive nature of stress in relationship to our poor bodies plus our psyches. We must always remember our body is our friend .. it is in there doing it's level best to keep us healthy .. and we must do our level best to work with it .. by doing your healthy daily walks .. daily "healthy self talks" .. healthy eating. We have to help our bodies help us!

Do some thinking about "what fills your cup" .. remembering that you "can't pour from an empty cup". For each person filling their cup is different .. for some it is sitting down with a cup of tea and reading a good book .. another it is volunteering .. another it is a walk in a beautiful area .. another it is chatting with someone positive .. each person is different. Think through what it is for you .. THEN go about filling your cup! You deserve it! Plus it prepares you for whatever lies ahead .. AND teaches you self care! As you said .. be kind to yourself! I will be thinking of you while I am away. A big hug to you! Katherine

such wonderful advice@ Katherine! sometimes we all need reminding of this so thanks for bringing me back to where I should be.

heathert, just in posting to each other I think it always reminds each of us where each of us truly want to be on our individual journeys .. I think that is the beauty of our Forum! I guess I have confident that we all will find our individual ways .. like lovely little snow flakes .. each one different .. each journey different .. each one special! Hey! I feel like I know you .. do you have a first name? I feel funny posting to an @! But don't worry .. if you don't feel comfortable using it .. not to worry .. our Forum is all about being where you are. Do what is best for you. Sending you a Hug! Katherine

Hi Katherine my name is Heather, love the snow flake analogy, very serene!

Heather, thank you for adding your name! Now I can add a very pretty name to that pretty face! Hugs to you! Katherine

What great advice! I was divorced right before my lung issues started to act up. I am also, at 64, thinking about reinventing myself... somehow - to find joy. Writing and working outside helps me.