We're Taking a Summer Break. I Hope You Do Too.

Grief doesn't pause, but you can.

A few weeks ago, I took an impromptu trip to Las Vegas with one of my longtime friends and favorite travel partners.The plan was simple. A few days away. A great book by the pool. Dinner at a new highly rated restaurant. A show. Good conversation. A change of scenery. What I didn’t realize was how much I needed it.

The past year has been one of the most meaningful and demanding seasons of my life. I completed my first year as a CEO of a new organization in my day job, while also managing my businesses like TMM, speaking and leadership consulting (which I LOVE). I continued navigating year two without my mother. I supported my family emotionally while also trying to care for myself.

Like many of you, I kept moving because there were things that needed to be done. People to support. Responsibilities to carry. Deadlines to meet. Life to manage. For 72 hours, I stepped away from all of it.

And while the trip itself was restorative, what happened afterward caught my attention. I got sick and thankfully I rarely get sick. Nothing serious, doctor says its likely something viral cold. Prescription was rest, OTC meds and rest. But it’s just enough to remind me that sometimes our bodies tell us what our hearts have been trying to say for months.

Slow down. Rest. Pay attention. Take a beat.

I think about that now -- the way my body finally exhaled when I gave it permission to stop. The way it immediately handed me a bill I hadn’t realized I’d been running up.

Keeping it real, grief can be exhausting. It quietly sits in the background while you build a career, raise a family, lead an organization, care for aging parents, support friends, and continue showing up for life. And eventually, your mind, body, or spirit starts asking for something different.

Not because you’ve done something wrong. Because you’re human.

So TMM is taking a summer break. Not because there is nothing left to say. Not because grief takes a vacation. But because rest matters too.

Sometimes the healthiest thing we can do is step away long enough to catch our breath, reconnect with ourselves, and return with renewed energy for the journey ahead. That’s what I plan to do this summer.

And it’s what I hope you’ll consider doing as well. So here’s my challenge to you.

Choose one thing. Just one.

• Read the book you’ve been meaning to read.

• Take the trip.

• Call the friend.

• Sit on the porch.

• Take the walk.

• Plant the flowers.

• Visit the place that makes you feel connected.

• Sleep in.

• Take the day off.

• The activity doesn’t matter.

• The intention does.

• Small or large. Free or expensive. Five minutes or five days.

One of the best ways we honor the people we miss is by continuing to care for the person who remains. Do something that nourishes you. Do it in honor of the person you love and miss.And when we return, I’d love to hear what you chose. Post a comment and let me know!

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Before we pause I want to say sincerely, thank you. Thank you for reading. Thank you for sharing your comments, emails and stories. Thank you for trusting me with your grief. What began as a way for me to process my own loss has become a community. I am deeply grateful for each of you.

So, The Mourning Manager™ will be on summer break and will return on August 15th. Until then, take care of yourselves. And remember choose one thing. And do it in honor of the person you love and miss.

Until next time friends, 🖤
Carolyn’s daughter

P.S. For Founding and paid subscribers, you will have access to the full TMM library and archive of resources during the Summer for when you may need it or need to share with someone as a resource of support.