9. Sarah’s Blog

The ‘September Reset’

As I write, it is the middle of September and the crazy world of social media is awash with the theme of ‘The September reset’. The idea being that the more spontaneous, ‘outdoorsy’ days of summer are behind us, the new school term has started and it is time for a more structured routine.

Those without children can also appreciate the freshness of the new Autumnal season.

As we head towards Christmas and a new year, it is an opportunity to get ahead by reviewing finances, de-cluttering or reorganising our living space ready for the next season.

Of course, many people will have been working hard throughout the summer and might now be jetting off on their sunny holidays now that the schools are back and holiday prices have dropped slightly.

The idea of the September reset is nothing new. The natural world has been doing it since the beginning of time! With the onset of Autumn, plants, trees and animals begin to prepare for hibernation and humans start ‘gathering in’ in anticipation of the cold, dark months ahead.

Farmers are harvesting and communities will be celebrating with harvest festivals and suppers. Those living in the country will be taking the opportunity to collect natural food by foraging the hedgerows for damsons, blackberries, crab apples and sloes etc. Even without much rain this summer, I’ve still had a decent crop of apples and pears from the trees in my garden.

At this time of year, many will be busy turning these fruits into chutneys, jellies, jams, pies and crumbles. I have to admit that a personal favourite of mine is homemade sloe gin, best enjoyed on a cold winter night in front of a roaring fire.

This idea of the ‘September reset’ got me thinking about other times in our lives when we may need to reset. Retirement, empty nest, a new job or a house move may bring new opportunities and a welcome chance to reorganise and re- prioritise what is important to us.

Perhaps the biggest and most difficult ‘reset’ of all, is bereavement. It can be incredibly difficult to adjust to the death of someone close to us, often because it is unexpected, unwanted and can throw our lives into unwelcome chaos.

Even if a death was expected due to illness, there are still many challenging tasks to complete such as completing paperwork needed following a death, the closing down of accounts, sorting out of wills and financial arrangements, as well as deciding what to do with clothes and possessions.

Our regular routine will also change, perhaps we were caring for our loved one or taking them to and from hospital for appointments. The things we did together are no longer a part of daily life. In addition to this we will also be trying to cope with the emotions associated with loss, such as loneliness, sadness, anger and many others.

It can take a long time to get used to the changes caused by bereavement. Some people are more adaptable to change, whilst others take much longer. Some may even resist or fight change as a way of refusing to accept what has happened.

However, there is hope that over time we can learn to accept our current situation and adjust to the changes in our lives. This does not mean that we have stopped loving and missing our loved one or that we like our new circumstances, just that we have begun to adapt to life as it is now.

Talking to others who are also grieving can be very supportive. Rosedale’s bereavement support groups are free and open to everyone. Please call 01379 640 810 to reserve your free place on one of our groups taking place throughout Norfolk and Suffolk.

At Rosedale Funeral Home, we understand that grief is a deeply personal journey, shaped by many different factors. Sarah’s blog is where the many aspects of bereavement are explored —offering insights into how loss can affect us. From practical guidance and reflections on coping with grief, to stories and perspectives that may bring comfort, Sarah’s Blog, and our bereavement support groups in Norfolk and Suffolk aim to support you every step of the way.

If you would like to join one of our bereavement groups in your area, visit rosedalefuneralhome.co.uk or call any one of our branches for more information. All groups are free and confidential.

Rosedale’s bereavement support groups provide a safe, trusted place to talk about bereavement and  be listened to. Call  01379 640 810  to reserve your free place on the next group.