The holidays are a time when the grief I carry with me takes a toll on me. This year I had an epiphany that I develop holiday grief amnesia, where I forget that I feel this way every year since my husband died. I think it’s the brain’s way of protecting me from emotional overload. This year, I gave it a name, which has helped me be gentler with myself.
Blog
Navigating Grief: The Power of Community Connections
In this blog, I reflect on the importance of community support not only in my grief journey, but also in finding joy after the death of loved ones. Photography and improv led me to build communities that I didn’t think were possible.
#griefjourney #communitysupport
Coping with Depression: Tools and Insights for Recovery
In this post I share my journey with depression, tools that I found useful, and the hope of finding joy again.
#depression #copingtools #findinghope #findingjoy
Missing Dad: Three Years Later
There’s a rudderless feeling I’ve experienced with the death of both of my parents in 2022. I reflect on missing my dad three years from the anniversary of his death.
#missingdad #memories #grief
Thirteen Years Later: A Journey Through Grief and Healing
March 13th will mark Mike’s 13th deathiversary. It feels like an eternity ago and yesterday at the same time. Anticipation of the actual date is emotionally hard. This year, I’ve reached out to people to spend time with as was suggested is something that I read recently about emotional anniversaries. Each year I meet the day differently, depending on where I’m at in my life.
The Healing Power of Writing Poetry
In the past year, poetry has sought me out and inspired me to start writing poems, another creative pursuit that I had not envisioned doing with my life. I started hearing poems read by their authors in my Instagram feed. Each one touched me as the poet gave life to what they had written. Hearing…… Continue reading The Healing Power of Writing Poetry
An Ode to Mom and Dad
I recently wrote a poem, “The Seed,” reflecting on the influence my parents had on me and the person I am today. They planted in me the importance of treating everyone with compassion and dignity, especially those who were struggling or suffering. Although it was talked about in our home, it was the way my…… Continue reading An Ode to Mom and Dad
Reflection on Finding Meaning in a Gratitude Challenge
Although I had planned to share my November gratitude challenge earlier, now seems to be a fitting moment as I close out 2024. I started the challenge on November 3rd and disciplined myself to post something daily, regardless of how I felt. Instead of focusing on what might have happened on a particular day, though…… Continue reading Reflection on Finding Meaning in a Gratitude Challenge
Evolving Christmas Traditions Through Loss
For the last three years, I’ve been writing about the holiday season on my blog. It’s helpful when I go back and see where I’ve been. It also is a reminder that the feelings of grief that come up at this time of year are normal. They serve as a compass of where my life…… Continue reading Evolving Christmas Traditions Through Loss
Focusing on What I Can Control: Coping Tools
The last two weeks have been stressful for me personally and in the country. I’m trying to navigate the worsening symptoms of my chronic conditions while also dealing with the results of the elections, both of which are wearing on my nervous system. Changes in the weather, sleep patterns, and visual and auditory overstimulation contribute…… Continue reading Focusing on What I Can Control: Coping Tools
Beautiful Bittersweet Life 
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