It’s been about three weeks since my mama’s funeral. When I first came home, I struggled with returning to work. How do I care for hospice patients and families while going through my own grief?
My work schedule was already set for the month, and I felt obligated to keep those commitments. But during my first week back, I realized I needed a break. I told my hospice manager how raw my grief felt and asked if I could take one of my scheduled days off. She agreed.
For the next few days, all I wanted to do was sleep in and have nothing expected of me. I felt drained, emotionally and physically. When the tears came, I let them flow. I journaled when I could. Mostly, I felt numb. I lived day to day, thankful that I had no work or other obligations.
Then I began to ask myself, How can I make my life easier and simpler right now?
I needed room to breathe. To be still. To decide what I felt able to do—or whether I wanted to do anything at all.
This was so different from my usual routine of trying to get as much done as possible in a short amount of time. Now, I needed to slow down. Way down.
I gave myself permission to just be.
I’m still giving myself that permission, moving at an easier pace. At work, when grief comes, I pause and take a breath. Sometimes, when I’m alone in my parked car, I let the tears come.
It hasn’t been easy. Some days, I take life hour by hour. Or sometimes minute by minute.
You may not be grieving the loss of a loved one right now, but maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by what life is asking of you. If you can, set something aside. Ask for help. Give yourself a little room to breathe.
As hospice nurses, we make room for the grief of others. We deserve room for our own, too.
How do you cope with overwhelm in your life? Please feel free to share your experience.
An Affirmation For You:
“I give myself permission to slow down. My needs matter, and I can care for others while making room for my own grief.”
Self-care tip:
Choose one thing to take off your plate today. Postpone a nonessential task, accept help, or leave a little time unplanned. You don’t have to fill that space with something productive.
#SunsetAngels #HospiceNurse #NurseGrief #GrievingWhileCaring #SelfCompassion #NurseSelfCare #PermissionToRest
