Grief and Gratitude at the Holidays
As we journey through this holiday season, we may be suffering the absence of someone dear - someone who made the holidays what they were meant to be. This season will never be the same without them. And, there is hope in the things we find to be grateful for despite our unbearable loss. Perhaps it’s the memories you have, or the traditions that live on, or the others who have been there for you as you find your way forward. Or, maybe it’s simply the fresh snow or a red berry on a barren tree during this long Western New York winter. Whatever you find to be grateful for alongside your grief, may it bless you. And may you find connection and peace this holiday season. This blog is a remembrance of my Nanie, who made Christmas my favorite holiday and whose story lives on in me.
Planning for Dying to Bring Peace to Living
Planning for dying and death is one of those things that no one really wants to do, but most of us feel like we SHOULD do. And we're right!"
Simply thinking about what’s important to us and talking about it goes most of the way toward avoiding unnecessary suffering, conflict, and financial burden for families. But starting these conversations is the hard part!
Life is Short. Parenting is Hard. Lift Up the Best of What Your Parents Gave You.
Those we are closest to have the capacity to hurt us the most. After all, we humans are so perfectly fallible and it is impossible to love without letting others down. The resulting pain can lead to resentment which can be ruinous in our lives. While we cannot change what’s been so painful in the past, we can look to balance our perspective by remembering the best of what our loved ones have given us - bringing healing and connection to our lives.
The Mixed Blessing of Burden
Reaching out to someone when they are living through something difficult can be one of the most lifegiving things you can do for yourself, the other person, and your community.