We sent out of our first bag with items for both a man and a woman. They’re a married couple who are taking care of their sick child. Thanks to your awesome donations we were able to put together a great bag for them!
This week’s featured donations are part of a theme—gardening. There are sunflower seeds, gardening gloves, and a sunflower growing kit. These donations segue well into what I’m going to talk about this week.
Post Traumatic Growth
I’ve talked before about post traumatic growth. I mentioned that more than half of the people who experience a traumatic event reported at least one positive change in their lives following the event. This is called post traumatic growth. Some experts theorize the growth can occur in four areas:
- New opportunities/skills emerge
- A strengthening of relationships with family and friends and an increased sense of connection to others who suffer
- Increased sense of one’s strength
- Greater appreciation for small blessings
The area I discussed previously was about having a greater appreciation for small blessings. The boys and I try to find something to be grateful for every day. And when good things happen, we have a greater appreciation for them!
My New Hobby: Gardening
Today I’m going to let you know about a new opportunity/skill that has emerged in me. It’s more like a hobby, but it definitely falls into the first area of post traumatic growth. For those who knew Mike well, you know how passionate he was about his lawn and landscaping. He loved nothing more than working in the yard for hours. And when the kids started to walk, they’d be right outside alongside him.
Over the last three years, the lawn has been maintained. The boys and I also made a memory garden for Mike two years ago with the help of my college roommate. But this year I felt the need to take things a step further. I weeded the garden beds and planted a bunch of new flowers.
At first I did this because I wanted to honor Mike. But as I got into it, I realized it was something I truly enjoyed. Being out in the sunshine seeing the fruits of my labor while weeding was therapeutic. I’m now out in the yard a couple of times a week. And it’s a new hobby that I’ve really embraced.
My hope is that we can continue including items in the bags that may push the recipients to try something new. It would be wonderful if, like me, they can find a new hobby that will bring them comfort and joy.
Thanks for supporting The MRP Project. Together, we’re making a difference by providing hope through social support.