We as a society in general struggle with the topic of grief. People are fearful. Those who are grieving are afraid they will drive others away with their own grief, and those who want to be supportive are afraid they will say the wrong thing to those who are grieving. But telling your story is important. … Continue reading Telling Your Story
The holidays are a tough season for many who've lost a loved one. And not just the first year, or the second. I still have my moments close to twenty years later. What's different for me is that I'm a seasoned pro. I know by now what works for me and what doesn't. Many of … Continue reading Holding Space During the Holidays
I often field messages from people who feel helpless as they watch a loved one bear a devastating loss. They search for tangible ways to help, or resources to give. Unfortunately, grief is hard work only the grieving can do. However creating partnership alongside in the grief - holding space, a place of loving non-judgment … Continue reading Partnership in Grief
As I mentioned several days ago, people often say to me, “I’m afraid I’ll say or do the wrong thing, so I don’t do anything”. So today in this final good grief support message, I’ll outline the biggies of what not to do. Everyone is different, with different triggers and things that work or don’t … Continue reading Good Grief Support – What NOT to do
The Haze of the first couple of years after loss is tough. Having just one or two people showing up and holding space consistently can be the difference between someone finding the strength to face grief head on or simply surviving day to day. For those of you supporting the grieving, this means setting aside … Continue reading Showing Up and Holding Space
Following a death people come out of the woodwork with words of condolence and offers of help, but through no fault of their own, aren't anticipating needs of the grieving. Many also feel paralyzed not knowing what to say or not say. The same goes for what to do or not do. So for the … Continue reading Good Grief Support – Anticipating Needs
We as a society struggle with grief. Those who are grieving don’t talk about it, often out of fear they’ll drive others away. Those who know someone grieving are scared they’ll say the wrong thing. So we all stay silent. And yet it’s one of the few things we’re all destined to deal with with … Continue reading Introduction to “Good Grief – Embracing Life and Giving Good Support”