After a loved one dies, we can feel pressure to “get back to life,” or “smile,” or “be normal.” Some of these come from well-intended others and some come from ourselves. This year, how about dropping some of those expectations. Maybe it is okay if you are not ready to part with your loved one’s belongings. Maybe it is okay if you want to stay in bed all day on a Saturday. Maybe it is okay if make plans and then break them last minute because you feel emotionally overwhelmed. Dropping the expectations can help decrease the stress of the “should’s” and help prevent disappointment. Just drop them.
