Sunset Whiskeys

Last Thursday marked the 3^rd anniversary of my stepfather’s unexpected passing.

 

Leading up to the day, I knew I’d be drinking whiskey. It’s one of the ways I used to spend time with him if mom had gone to bed early, but the fire pit was still aflame, the whiskey was still flowing, and tales were still being spun.

 

This year, I thought about honoring his memory with a solo sunset sesh. Sitting on a lonely stretch of beach, quiet cheers in my heart, I could sit with these blue feelings that stir and remember him.

 

But as the blazing sun arched across the infinite sky, I checked in with myself – I was not feeling as heavy-hearted as I sometimes do when I miss him, or when I think about my mom and the grief she’s had to carry.

 

On this day, I felt energetic and light. My day had been going pretty well. I thought, what would Ted have me do?

 

He’d already be at happy hour.

A mischievous grin on his mustachioed face.

And no doubt, he’d be friends with everyone at the bar by the time we left.

 

He would not sit heavy-hearted, or alone.

 

When he died, I bought a bright coral, flowy summer dress to wear to his funeral. I chose a dress I would wear again, but in times of celebration instead.

 

I was choosing the mindset I wanted to have ahead of time.

 

I wanted his memory to pop into my mind whenever I was doing something lively, and fun. 

 

We can choose our mindset, even in these most heartbreaking moments when sadness, anger, and grief bowl over us so heavily – even then we can make a choice and shift our mindset.

 

I still mourn my stepdad, but whenever I slip on that coral dress for some joyous celebration, amidst all the other vibrant emotions I feel, his memory joins the party, caught up in the momentum of happy occasions.  

 

So this year, at sunset, I ditched the solo sesh and saddled up to the friendly beach bar. Rather than my usual vino tinto, I ordered whiskey ginger, like I used to with him. Lifted a cheers to the sky, and tipped a few sips onto the sand for him.

 

Friends and neighbors joined me, watching the surf, the volleyball, and even ordered a whiskey too.

 

This year’s ritual felt lighthearted, and exactly how I believe – how I know – my stepdad would rather have me spend my remaining days in this life. Not sitting alone, weeping into my whiskey, although these moments have their stage time too.

 

Instead, I chose not to hide, but to connect. Chose not to cry, but instead to laugh. Chose, even through the grief, to feel the love.

 

And it worked.

 

Shifting our mindset enables us to create the experiences our souls really need.  (Along with a cheerful sunset whiskey). 

 

~ Christy

 

Ready for a shift in your life and wellbeing? Join my Mind, Body & Soul Retreat here in my Nicaraguan paradise. Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect:

 

• ️Gourmet, healthy and delicious meals daily (all dietary requirements catered for); (All breakfasts, all lunches, and dinner on first and last evening of Retreat)
• Modern, newly furnished private eco-casitas
• ️Exquisite open-air yoga shala with jungle views
• ️Rejuvenating yoga sessions, guiding you to flow easily away from parts of your life you are leaving behind, into the parts of your life you are ready to nurture
• ️Queen and King sized beds with soft cotton sheets
• ️Refreshing swimming pools
• Private Beach Bar Access
• ️Beach bonfires & full moon cacao ceremony
• ️Transformational personal growth & wellness workshops designed to give you that mindset shift you need – the mindset that will enable to you to believe that anything in your life is possible
• Surf & surf lessons
• ️Jungle hikes with coastal views
• ️Horse riding along the coast
• ️Day Spa & Boutique Access
• ️Airport pick up and drop off
• ️Wifi/AC/Hot Water
• ️Safe and comfortable transportation in-country
• ️Calendar of optional local cultural immersion activities
• ️Pristine beaches and spectacular sunsets
• And so much more . . . .

 

Details on the Nicaragua Retreat here.

 

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