Relief

What a crazy past few months it’s been!  I purposefully gave myself some compassion during these months of cancelled school, COVID-19, and my husband’s deployment.

I packed up for about a month and headed to my home state of Montana to spend time with my parents and wait for time to pass.

About a month ago, after many waiver approvals, my husband finally made it home!

When he arrived home I felt a huge feeling of relief.  No longer did I have to handle the children on my own, take care of the yard, maintain the cars, fix the house and etc. . . . . 

Relief is kind of a funny feeling. 

It comes when we do not have to feel negative feelings about something anymore. 

As we have moved around in the military I often feel a sense of relief to move.  Maybe that sounds crazy to some but it is kind of relieving to move away from situations, people, or weather, among other things. 

When I moved from Florida I was relieved that I wouldn’t have to deal with the hot, humid summer weather.

When I moved from Hawaii and Japan I was relieved that I wouldn’t be so far away from my family.

Moving from Washington the first time brought a sense of relief to be out of the rain (The second time I lived there I felt deep appreciation for the beauty of the area and enjoyed it thoroughly).

I would like to suggest that, though it is nice to feel a sense of relief, there are many times in our lives when it is not prudent or advisable to escape from negative feelings we are having so that we can feel relief. 

I think it was ok for me to feel relief when my husband came home.  His time overseas was up and it was inevitable that he would eventually come home. 

If I feel like I’m on the verge of a mental breakdown it might be wise to escape for a while, regroup, and then tackle the problem.

Other times I have moved from somewhere and felt relief that I didn’t have to deal with certain situations anymore, yet felt a sense of regret along with the relief because I didn’t leave on good terms or hadn’t resolved a particular issue.  

What are you currently feeling relieved about?

Is it possible that you could resolve an issue and grow as a person instead of escaping from uncomfortable feelings like guilt, fear, anger, or dislike? Who knows what could happen! A friendship could be mended, family relationships improved, gratitude could be restored to your life instead of discontent!  

Stay safe everyone! I definitely know that I will be relieved when this pandemic is over!