The First Step is to Start
Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 30 seconds
Long before I began my grief journey, I learned the importance of starting to take action. It is too effortless to do nothing and accept the status quo. As a child, I knew I had to start where I was. It did not matter if it was homework or chores. As a widow, I felt pain, fear, and doubt that could have overwhelmed me. Two days after burying Jan, I got up, laced my shoes, and started walking. I could have stayed in bed, but I kept marching.
I kept a journal and then shared my writings about love, grief, and Jan.
I opened a book and started reading.
Working with the Hanson Park Conservancy, we began building the Jan Lilien Memorial Triangle Garden, including the purple wind sculpture.
One day at a time, I began to move forward with Jan’s spirit by my side.
Start and don’t stop. Start where you are, with what you have. Just start. The beginning is always now.
In moments of apprehension when I could halt my progress, I hear Jan whispering words of encouragement,
Richard, you are capable and strong, and I believe in you.
With her wisdom, I pick myself up, shake off the dust and start over.
The Jan Lilien Education Fund sponsors ongoing sustainability and environmental awareness programs. Gifts made this month; I will match dollar-for-dollar. All donations are tax-deductible.
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Dust Myself Off and Start Over
Jan and I believed in the message in the lyrics by Nat King Cole,
Pick yourself up... Take a deep breath... Dust yourself off And start all over again.
I am reminded of those words as I approach the final hours of my move to a smaller apartment.
