Protection

Last week I started a conversation about what bereaved parents want others to know about us. I would like to continue this discourse for anyone who has suffered loss. It is my sincere hope that this blog is a place where you can feel safe sharing your experiences. Today, I am asking you to share what your loss is and what you would like others to know about you. 

I will get the ball rolling by sharing something I would like others to know about me. Since Mikael died, I have found that I am much more protective of myself. I am protective of what I'm willing to take part in. When invitations or opportunities arise, I consider the effects taking part may have on me. If I sense the possibility of too many triggers, I will decline with no apologies. The people I am willing to spend time with is also something I protect. I can no longer spend time in toxic environments or with those who make me feel like I am less than a cherished child of God. And I protect my time, my schedule. I know that within this grief ministry, I need times of respite with the Lord and I guard those times diligently. I would never have protected myself in quite this way before Mikael died. This is a change in who I am and something I would like others to know.

Is there something that you wish to share about your own journey. Who have you lost? What would you like all of us to know about you now? I welcome your input as we can all learn from one another.