Alice, thank you for sharing your story. Sometimes, for some of us,  life takes everything away – until we discover the very essence of it. Self-love is such essence, and it starts with taking care of ourselves exactly as you do. Meaning is that essence too. As Victor Frankl has shown us, it is our ability to find or create meaning that enables us to not only survive, but as you say, Harriet, thrive.

Also in my experience, when everything is taken away what’s left is our truth. Not ideas, not ideals, not religions, not some distant inspiration, but our our true reality. Whether we have a name for it or not. From there, we can re-create ourselves and our lives in a way that is meaningful, purposeful and fulfilling. I believe in you Alice!

Much appreciation and many warm greetings –

Halina