Grief – Beautiful Bittersweet Life

14 Years On: How Grief Changes Over Time

The one thing I’ve learned over the last 14 years, since Mike died on March 13, 2012, is that I can not predict how I will feel or what the time leading up to the date will look like. The only sure thing is that I will feel sad and miss Mike with all my heart.
#widow #griefblogger #griefadvocate

Continuing Bonds: Mom Lives in Me

Continuing bonds is something that I learned about in the grief groups that I belong to and books I’ve read. It is the connection with our loved ones who have died. In this piece, I explore the ways that I find my mom in my life and the many ways we are alike, It is a source of comfort and strength.

Coping with Holiday Grief: A Personal Journey

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.

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

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.

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

Improv. like life, is unpredictable. For me, it has opened a whole new world that is both healing and joyful. It was never something I saw myself doing, and now can’t imagine my life with out it.