Pack up your troubles for a trip

The vacation of your dreams can turn into a nightmare just as your time on a tropical beach can turn terrible.

Hurricane, a fractured wrist, a traffic accident, lost luggage, a missed transporta- tion connection — any of these or many other reasons can be the cause.

Being a bit paranoid when planning your trip can ease some of the pain should anything happen. Make sure someone in your family knows where you’re going, what you plan to do and how long you’ll be away. Have that person or someone else be aware that they’ll be called should anything happen to you.

And don’t forget to have someone keep an eye on your apartment, house and property while you’re away.

Mature Life Features Copyright 2023

Yikes! Uncomfortable feelings ahead of you

When someone experiences a loss, they are flooded with emotions. The list would include difficult, uncomfortable emotions like sadness, anger, loneliness, defeat and frustration. All these emotions are normal and natural. If you are feeling these emotions, it is okay; your feelings are valid.

One way to know your feelings are valid is to talk to others. That may be easier said than done. There are many reasons we don’t talk and share our true thoughts. One reason is that talking about uncomfortable feelings is, well, uncomfortable. As humans, we don’t want to feel uncomfortable, so we often ignore those difficult emotions. When we don’t talk, those emotions can take on a weight, which can hold us down. Talking truly takes a weight off our shoulders.

Another reason we don’t talk is because we don’t want to burden others. I hope you can hear that you are not a burden. The people who care for you want to be there for you and want to know what is going on with you.

It takes courage to open up and share honestly with another. You may find the person you are talking with is unable to talk about difficult emotions. Don’t be discouraged and don’t stop talking. Find another person to share your thoughts.

You may need to tell the person you are communicating with that they don’t have to solve your problems. Humans are fixers. Let them know that you are just needing to vent and share and you just need them to listen.

Look for people who are in a similar situation. If you have lost a spouse, go to a support group with others who have lost a loved one. Attend activities at a local senior center or community center. When someone has had the same experience as you, they won’t be afraid of those uncomfortable emotions and will truly understand.

Life is full of ups and downs, hurts and joys. Life is better when we can talk and be heard. Relationships are strengthened, and we know we are not alone.

Always Best Care, a nonmedical home care company, may be reached at (574) 2328487.

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