“What I love” project for grief
The week before my daughter died, she asked me to compile a list of 100 things I love — and why. She gave explicit instructions.
She had a septic blood infection and was fading fast, so honestly, I think she forgot why she asked me to do this. She didn’t bring it up again. But I’m glad I did it because it was a good exercise for thinking about what brings me joy in a time of deep grief.
Now, I am working through this list in different ways as I process my daughter’s death. And it is good. And it feels like I’m honoring her wishes to live in joy — maybe that’s why she asked me to write it in the first place.
I hope you give it a try.
1. The scent of cinnamon candles because they remind me of family, warmth, and baking.
2. Bath bombs because they feel luxurious and force me to stay still and relax
3. Cleaning ladies because they are magic and make me remember what it is like to feel “brand new”
4. Beautiful places because they exist despite everything
5. Airbnbs because they allow me time to indulge in my life rather than my responsibilities
6. Picture windows because I can enjoy the beautiful without having to fight with it to make myself comfortable
7. Cadbury Chocolate because it melts in my mouth in a way that feels expensive
8. Heated car seats because I live in Alaska
9. Traveling because there is so…