Grief during the holidays serves up a perfect storm where joyous memories crash against reality and expectations, something that is especially tough when it’s a child who’s grieving. I know this firsthand. On October 18, 1977, my uncle Doug died by suicide. I was 7 years old. While I don’t remember the specifics of the Thanksgiving
Even if Thanksgiving felt like a disaster, it holds valuable lessons for us. As we approach Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, we can use these experiences as a source of wisdom. Remember, navigating the holidays while grieving is all about trial and error. It’s through these trials that we discover what truly works for us, carving
In the thick of grief during the holidays, let’s cherish connection over perfection, embracing each moment as it comes with compassion for our selves and others. As the holiday season approaches, we often find ourselves swept up in a whirlwind of traditions and expectations. In my own childhood, holidays were marked by an almost competitive pursuit
Grief changes the holiday landscape, but it doesn’t have to dictate it. With compassionate planning, we can find a way to honor both our loss and ourselves during this season. The holiday season is often heralded as a time of joy and togetherness, but when you’re grieving, it can transform into a stretch of weeks filled
Grief rewrites our address book, as the saying goes, and the holidays can really underscore the difficulties in our relationships. While it is helpful to try to surround yourself with emotionally safe people this holiday season, the reality is you will likely wind up face to face with difficult people who push your buttons. Whether it
The first Thanksgiving without your loved one probably has you feeling anxious, but you are not alone. What once may have been a favorite time of year now raises difficult feelings about how to cope with grief during the holidays. Because it is the first “winter holiday,” the weeks before Thanksgiving seem to kick-off the season
For many of us, the fall season carries the heavy symbolism of death and endings. The leaves change and fall, mirroring the sense of loss that already weighs on our hearts. It’s a time when grief can become almost tangible, mingling with the very air we breathe. Yet, in recognizing this, we also find a
Embracing the ongoing relationship we share with our loved ones isn’t clinging to the past, but rather a brave act of carrying their light into our present and future, allowing their essence to enrich our lives eternally. In the wake of loss, it’s not unusual to feel a deep sense of disconnection. You might even feel
Skillful courage is the graceful dance where we embody the essence of bamboo: a harmonious duet of strength and vulnerability, standing tall yet willing to sway with life’s rhythms. Grief is rarely experienced without a felt sense of fear. Whether tied to a specific situation, like financial insecurity or the loss of your ride or die,
In the aftermath of loss, our assumptive world shatters, leaving us to navigate a landscape unrecognizable and fraught with uncertainty. It is through the earnest journey of self-reflection and the courage to rebuild that we may unearth the profound meaning hidden within our grief, forging a path towards more than mere survival, but living more
Compassion begins within. In the landscape of grief, your heart needs care first. Tend to it with kindness, and watch how it opens up to the world. In a previous post, we explored the Six Paramitas for creating peace during grief. Today, we’ll take another step on this journey with Pema Chödrön’s insights from When Things
Life after loss is not about stitching up the wounds and becoming what you once were, but rather embracing the imperfections, learning, and moving forward with wisdom. When things fall apart, how do you piece them together again? How do you find peace in chaos, especially when the pain of grief is bearing down on you?
Sleep hygiene is not just about a good night’s sleep. It’s a pathway to healing and resilience, especially after a loss. By transforming your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary, you’re creating a soothing environment that can alleviate anxiety, promote good rest, and offer comfort in a time of grief. Whether it’s decluttering or using calming
Sharing the journey of self-care in the wake of grief is a profoundly transformative experience. When we come together to learn and grow, we create an extraordinary network of compassion and understanding. It’s as if our capacity for resilience, healing, and self-care doesn’t merely double, but expands exponentially. It’s in this shared connection where we
