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.
Tag: coping with grief
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
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
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
Navigating This Season of Grief: A Personal Journey
Sometimes, I need an outsider to help me see what’s happening when I’m struggling because I’m too close to it. In this case, it was my counselor. This October, I’ve experienced more grief than “my normal.” I feel like I’m drifting through the days like a spectral, only anchored by my calendar and alarms on…… Continue reading Navigating This Season of Grief: A Personal Journey
Finding Joy and Healing Through Improv: A Personal Story
Grief is the roommate that no one wants, that comes uninvited when our loved one dies. It isn’t always as painful as the initial moment of death, but it’s a hum always playing in the background that can become a full orchestra at a moment’s notice. Until I lived through the death of my husband,…… Continue reading Finding Joy and Healing Through Improv: A Personal Story
Coping Tools for Dealing with Grief and Stress: A Personal Journey
When I get a call at an unexpected time from my daughter, my brain goes to a place where something’s wrong, or someone has died. I know that this is her reaction as well because we have lived through the traumatic sudden death of my husband and her father. Last week, she called me from…… Continue reading Coping Tools for Dealing with Grief and Stress: A Personal Journey
Beautiful Bittersweet Life 
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