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The Working Well Doctor

What did the Queen mean to you?

Published over 1 year ago • 3 min read

THRIVE WELL NEWS

from Dr Katya Miles, The Working Well Doctor

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Hello -

I had a chipper Thrive Well News email planned last week, all about return to school, to work, and the changing seasons.

And then.

‘Whatever life throws at us, our individual responses will be all the stronger for working together and sharing the load.’
- Queen Elizabeth II

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How are you feeling about the loss of Queen Elizabeth II?

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I wouldn't have described myself as a Royalist.

(I am uncomfortable with a few things, like funding, complexities around Britain's Imperial past, and issues within the broader royal family.)

And yet.

Like many of us, I have been shaken by her loss, feeling much more sad than I would have predicted.

She was such a constant in our lives, providing calm and inspiring counsel.

Leading with her example of service.

Bringing reconciliation at times, reassurance at others.

A disciplined working mum, who connected with people globally.

She was courageous. And kind.

What a lady.

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What did the Queen mean to you?

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Some people don't feel a sense of loss, though they may feel respect for her and sad for her family.

Others have found it harder than they would have imagined, for a variety of reasons.

For some, like me, her loss dovetails with other personal losses - and the combination is tough.

If that is you, this Good Grief link may be helpful.

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There are so many thoughts, views and respsonses. I've gathered a small sample below.

The key, it seems, is to respect all responses - there is no 'right way' to feel at a time like this.

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Queen Elizabeth II - in her own words

On Consent

"That consent [of the people], or the lack of it, is expressed for you, prime minister, through the ballot box. It is a tough […] system but at least the message is a clear one for all to read. For us, a royal family, however, the message is often harder to read, obscured as it can be by deference, rhetoric or the conflicting currents of public opinion. But read it we must."

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On Service

"I declare before you all,” she continued, “that my whole life whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service"

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On Inspiration

'To be inspirational you don't have to save lives or win medals.
'I often draw strength from meeting ordinary people doing extraordinary things: volunteers, carers, community organisers and good neighbours; unsung heroes whose quiet dedication makes them special.
'They are an inspiration to those who know them.'

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On Covid 19

'We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.'

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On Commitment

'I cannot lead you into battle. I do not give you laws or administer justice. But I can do something else. I can give you my heart and my devotion to these old islands and to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations.'

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On Courage

‘When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.’

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On Leadership

'I know of no single formula for success, but over the years I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm and their inspiration to work together.'

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And some reflections from others

​A Moderniser who steerted the British Monarchy into the 21st Century: The Conversation​

​God Rest The Queen: Roger McGough​

​The Queen of the World: The Atlantic​

​Collective Grief Webinar: The Good Grief Festival ​

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Drop me a line, I'd love to know if you found this helpful.

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Thrive Well News will be back in its usual format later this month.

Till then, take care of yourself and those around you.

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Love,

Katya

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The Working Well Doctor

Workplace Wellbeing Specialist

Wellbeing at Work Trainer

Career Coach

Love Your Work Again

​www.workingwelldoctor.com​

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Previous Thrive Well News covered - It is OK to not be OK, Choices, & Imposter Syndrome​

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The Working Well Doctor

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