i was talking to a widow the other day about the anger that often accompanies grief, and I was reminded of how, early on, I sometimes felt so full of anger at how things had turned out that I felt I would explode. I knew I needed a release, and the only way I could think of to do that was to walk.

This was no slow, calm walk, sauntering along, enjoying the view. No. I took right to the hills, and took the steepest incline I could find. With every step, I spoke, recounting all that seemed unfair and wrong. I felt like I was fighting an unseen enemy as I climbed up the hill, swinging my arms to keep my upward momentum and feeling the reluctant muscles in my legs protest as I forced them to continue. By the time I reached the top, I was exhausted – but I had finally released all the pent-up emotion and ugly thoughts that had plagued me all night long.

I turned and gazed at the valley, peaceful and quiet below me. Yes, the challenges still awaited me when I walked back in my door down there – but each time I made that climb I felt a little more able to face them.

If you are full of anger, or dealing with emotions that seem ready to burst…..

Walk it out!

 

Roslyn Geertsen

Roslyn Reynolds Geertsen became a widow in 2006 when her husband drowned on a family outing. As she sought her own healing, she interviewed widows from across the United States and in England, asking them how they survived their loss. Using their answers and all she learned in her own journey through grief, she has written a book, SOLO - Getting It All Together When You Find Yourself Alone (available at Barnes and Noble and on Amazon) and produced several CDs to help people as they move through the grieving process. Her website (www.heartbreaktohealing.com) offers practical tips for making it through that process, and helps for building a new life. Roslyn is now a writer, speaker and mentor, helping people find hope and healing after tragedy.

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