Rambling on about Finding Solace and Strength in a Day for Myself…

Sometimes, what we need most is just one day, one day to step back, breathe, and allow ourselves to simply exist without demands or expectations. Today, I gave myself that day. I minimized interactions, speaking only when necessary, and allowed myself the luxury of solitude. My house, which had felt distant and empty after ten days away, was transformed back into a home. It is remarkable how a single day of peace can restore not only the environment we live in, but also our personal energy and spirit.

I needed the day, a reconnecting day to gather my thoughts and spirit. The heaviness that had quietly settled over me began to lift. I spent time gathering my thoughts, nurturing my heart, and tending to my spirit. This intentional withdrawal wasn’t about ignoring the world, but rather about finding the space to be myself—unburdened and free to reflect. It allowed me to refill my coffers with the energy and resilience that daily life often drains away.

My recent absence was not for pleasure, but for necessity. I traveled to see my kid sister, a visit prompted by family emergency rather than leisure. Being with her, hearing her voice, seeing her face, touching her hand—was essential, especially given the miles that usually separate us. Family ties, though sometimes fraught, are crucial in moments of crisis and need. We are the last of our family, she and I. The two of us are all each other has it seems at his stage of life. We both feel the stress of the world deeply and this visit was needed, for connection and support.

The reality of Domestic violence is something we share sadly. Domestic violence (DV) is more pervasive and insidious than many realize. It has been an unwelcome companion in my life, shaping experiences and perspectives in ways that are difficult to articulate. For many, DV is an invisible burden, but for those who have lived through it, its effects linger long after the events have passed. The past 25 years have brought me some peace, a period in which I was able to experience love and goodness.

My life is filled with love, loss, and gratitude. I was fortunate to find a good man—a partner who showed me that goodness, kindness, and love can exist. Losing him to cancer was a painful tragedy, but the memories and lessons he gave me remain precious. Through him, I learned that not all men are bad, that hope and healing are possible even after long periods of darkness. I live in gratitude for the time we shared, and I carry those memories as a beacon of what is possible.

Today, I reclaimed a sense of peace and order, both in my home and within myself. While the weight of past experiences cannot be erased, moments of rest and reflection provide the strength to move forward. I am reminded that caring for oneself is not a luxury, but a necessity—for healing, renewal, and the ability to continue facing whatever life may bring. I talked to the Kid sister twice today, a needed connection for peace of mind and support. To be honest it is precious, the time I spend with her. It grounds me and I think it does the same for her. Tonight, I feel a bit lighter in spirit. My One Day, it was good… There is a long road ahead, but I have the faith to make the journey. And when I need too, I take one day.