It’s a sad reality that for many people, bad news is often met with the need to do something about said news. If you lose a loved one, or someone you know is injured, or your marriage is about to end, then you may wish to spend time alone in your bedroom eating ice cream and blocking out the frustrations of the outside world. In many cases, such as our second example, you may not wish to leave your loved one’s side.
However, tough times call on us to be our strongest selves, to try and make it through step by step, day by day, and to call on help where we need it. You can feel deeply exposed when you have to make plans to resolve a situation, or curate its next steps, or support others when you’re struggling yourself.
One thing to remember is that your effort is possible, and you can do it. In this post, we’ll discuss how to achieve that going forward:
Split Your Tasks Into Segments & Days
A big task such as planning a funeral or helping a loved one move house in an emergency can seem like a huge effort, and it can be, but if you split it down into small tasks you accomplish piece by piece, the task becomes digestible. It might be that you first help your loved one get to shelter. Then you discuss how long this situation might continue. You come up with an action plan, remembering that you only have to focus on this a day at a time. You can then split your tasks into priorities and those you can come to later – for instance, planning the funeral first, going through their house and categorizing their belongings later. Keep this segmented, and have a clear plan for each day. It will keep you grounded.
Ask For The Help You Need
There is absolutely no shame in asking for help from friends or family. They may wish to give it. In some cases, you may be able to ask a friend or relative to drive you back and forth, or to attend the hospital with you. In some cases you might be that help, and being of use can feel good, even if that means bringing a pack of their belongings to the hospital. You may just wish to talk to your friend, or to cry on their shoulder knowing you can trust them. Sometimes, that’s enough, but it is important you ask for that help, and don’t go it totally alone.
Use Essential Services
Essential services are there to help you. This might be a disaster recovery specialist, victim or bereavement support, or planning your next steps with a capable funeral home. You’d be surprised how they can help you understand the next step and make the future seem easier to digest, because often the emotional difficulty and worry about the unknown can make planning so much harder to do. With a caring but impartial assistant to show you the next steps, provide options, or simply to place a proverbial hand on your shoulder, you’ll be sure to move forward and feel clarity in doing so.
With this advice, you’re sure to be organized, even during those emotionally turbulent times.
