The Art of the Inspirational Adventure

The Art of the Inspirational Adventure –
Helping your Love One Find Fun & Adventure in the Grieving Process
©Lori Pederson

The words fun and adventure are rarely discussed when someone is grieving. The grieving process can be lonely and full of a deep sense of loss and sadness for long periods of time. However, the grieving process can also include joy and inspiration.

Over the holidays, I had the opportunity to go to Disneyland with my sister to see my niece’s band perform. My last trip to Disneyland was over 17 years ago after my mother had passed away. As I walked through the park, I remembered how much joy it brought me to go to Disneyland even when I was in the midst of deep sadness.

My friends took me to Disneyland to help lift my spirits a few weeks after my mother’s funeral. It was hard to imagine having fun while I was full of sadness, but when my friends suggested going to Disneyland, I felt it would be an opportunity for me to relax and have a little fun.

My mom loved Disneyland, and we went often when I was growing up. Going to Disneyland not only was a way to have fun, it was  also a way to connect with my mom through a shared passion for the happiest place on earth.

We had a magical day. We let go, we had fun and just enjoyed the sunshine and the rides. It was a tremendous release!

Taking the time to take your loved one out of the everyday heaviness they are experiencing, can be an uplifting gift that they will cherish. Here are a few suggestions on how to get started with planning an Inspirational Adventure:

1. What is their comfort level? Each person is unique and so to is the journey through the grieving process. When approaching a friend about getting out into the world, be compassionate about their comfort level. Always include them in the planning process.

2. Find adventures that are fun for them. What do they love to do? What have they always wanted to do? Help them reconnect with life and joy through the simple pleasures in life. Do they love going to the movies? Going to the beach? Walking through the park? Going to Disneyland? Did they always want to learn how to dance? Help them understand that they are allowed to have fun, even though they are grieving.

3. This is not a time to push or demand. Start out slow and offer options that move them in a direction of hope and joy. Allow them to say “no” if they are not ready.

4. Avoid surprises. The grieving process can be overwhelming. Even if your intentions are admirable, surprising someone that is grieving does not allow them the opportunity to back out if they are not ready or have had a rough day.

5. Start out slow and allow them to put one foot in front of the other. In the early stages of grief just getting out of bed and taking a walk can be difficult. Each little step forward will help your loved one restore balance in his or her life.

An Inspirational Adventure will not take away the deep feelings of sadness or cure the grief that your loved one is experiencing. However, it may bring a smile to their face, open their heart just a little, and help them begin to feel joy again.

Visit our Inspirational Adventure section on our website to read more inspirational stories.  Do you have a story you would like to share?  Please email us at info@ididnotknowwhattosay.com.

©2011 Lori Pederson
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Lori Pederson, Founder of I Did Not Know What To Say, a website created to inspire and to provide you with tools to assist a love one through the grieving process. If you would like our free newsletter on how to assist your friends and family members through the journey of restoring balance in their life after the death of a love one, please visit our website at http://www.ididnotknowwhattosay.com.

The Human Spirit

The last few months have been filled with many tragic events across the globe.  Earthquakes, floods, tsunamis and war have filled the headlines.  Yet, hidden in the tragic headlines are many stories of hope, courage and love.

The Human Spirit is an amazing thing.  It gives those in the midst of devastation and loss the strength to live.  It touches the hearts of people to provide assistance and support in big and small ways.  And, it gives us all hope that we too will find our own inner strength to meet the many challenges in our own lives.

To all the people suffering around the world, we send our love and hope that the support and comfort you need finds you and strengthens you.  Know that you are not alone.

To the search and rescue teams, the military, medical professionals and all the volunteers that provide support all over the world in times of crisis, we Thank You. 

It always inspires me to see people come together to support each other at a time of great loss.  An enormous amount of gratitude should be given to the amazing men and women that are part of the Search and Rescue teams that put their lives at risk to help others.  Your heartfelt courage is inspiring.

So what can we do to support those that have lost so much?  Here are a few suggestions to lend support:

1. Pray or send positive loving energy to those in need. 
2. Participate in a local Candle Lighting Vigil.
3. Volunteer for a local charity that is offering support to those in need.
4. Make a donation (money, food, clothing, etc) to organizations that directly support those in need.
5. Encourage others to make a donation or donate their time.

A little support goes a long way in a time of major crisis.

Many organizations need your support to continue to do the amazing work they do for people in need.  Whether you are making a donation for yourself or in memory of a loved one, here are a few to consider: 

The National Cherry Blossom Festival – Stand with Japan http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. The gift and annual celebration honor the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and the continued close relationship between the two countries. 

The National Cherry Blossom Festival starts today (March 26, 2011) and their website offers several ways you can donate to support the people of Japan.

American Red Cross
http://american.redcross.org

 http://www.redcross.org/en/otherdonationsites

 Tips for Giving In Times of Crisis

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=310

Don’t Miss Our I Did Not Know What To Say Monthly Newsletter

Don’t miss our monthly newsletter featuring tips, articles and inspirational stories on how to assist a loved one through the journey of restoring balance in their life after a loss.

March 2011 – Featured Article:

The Myths Surrounding Suicide
by Catherine Greenleaf

Catherine Greenleaf is the author of the highly acclaimed book Healing The Hurt Spirit: Daily Affirmations for People Who Have Lost a Loved One to Suicide.

Be sure to also visit our Virtual Book Tour and read our interview with Catherine Greenleaf.

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