Each small task of everyday life is part of the total harmony of the universe. – Therese of Lisieux

When we are tired, stressed, ill, or working through grief, even the smallest of tasks can seem much more difficult than normal.  Everyday tasks such as getting groceries, house cleaning, paying bills, mowing the lawn, or doing laundry appear to be much bigger than they really are.

We often struggle to muster up enough energy to do what we used to do with relative ease. The fact is, grief is taxing on our very beings.  It saps our energy, steals our motivation, and often derails our mental focus.  All of this, of course, is with good reason: grieving is tough work and requires much from us.

This process can go on for a while. Days turn into weeks, which can turn into months. Soon a year has passed, and while we have made great strides, we still may feel less than ourselves. This is all perfectly normal and part of the healing process.

As we proceed on this journey, let us remember to take time to celebrate even the smallest of tasks we accomplish in our lives. These accomplishments—and that’s what they are—help us on the path to wellness. They may not be earth-shattering events, but they are things we have achieved during our time of grief, and are part of our universe.