I have been caregiving most of my life. I have helped with the care of 4 siblings, my mother-in-law, my mother and finally my father who died 2 weeks ago of a massive stroke. He died of a massive stroke at home with hospice care. He also had dementia.
I need to mourn my father and find a new life for myself.
There are many websites that will help you discover the discoverer in yourself...if you want that.
The opportunities for volunteer work are near endless. The opportunities to continue as a caregiver are growing by leaps and bounds everyday too
Just think about what YOU want to make yourself happy.
How are you doing? I am also struggling with this question. I too have been a caregiver most of life. It is hard to know what to do so soon after a losing your father.
My father also passed away four months ago. I am struggling and looking for answers. I have tried to move forward step by step. I think we just need to give ourselves a little more time to figure things out.
Avoid being isolated. Even if you go out to lunch alone (maybe with a book), you will interact with the waitstaff and the cashier, and be reminded that there is a world out there. Shopping in a thrift store or a posh boutique also gets you out into the world. Eventually you'll want to do a lot of these things with a friend or two, but until you are up for that, just make yourself get out in public.
As others have said, there are lots of opportunities to learn new crafts, see new places, volunteer, re-invent yourself a little or a lot. If you are an avid reader, find a book club to join. But be patient with yourself. You don't have to do everything at once!
Take care of your own health. Set up all those appointments you've missed over the last few years. Check your mental health, too. Mourning is natural. Depression is not and is treatable. Reach out for any kind of help you might need. This is your time!