I had a particularly rough mental health day a few weeks ago – the grief from the events of the week before finally catching up with me – and ended up calling out of work.
I reached out to my partner R., who offered to come meet me for coffee. Coffee turned into a photo wander around Hastings Park – a place that I’ve been meaning to check out for a while with my camera.
We only had a little bit of time to wander, but it was enough. Moving my body always helps. As does doing something creative, like taking photos – it gives my thoughts somewhere to go besides in circles.
Afterwards, R. dropped me off at my apartment. And while I was still sad, I felt calmer. Grounded.
And a little embarassed.
But as my partner M. gently reminded me later, I was mourning – It will take time before I feel okay again.