When you’re navigating grief, finding time for self-care can feel overwhelming. It’s not just about the hours in the day; it’s about the energy and motivation to take care of yourself when life feels so heavy. The truth is, self-care often becomes another thing on the to-do list, something that feels out of reach when
When I was about 14 years old I started writing in a journal. I was a grieving child. My mom’s brother, uncle Doug, died by suicide when I was just 7, and as I grew older some pretty big questions emerged. My family didn’t talk about it much, as you can imagine, so my journal became my confidant. It was a way for
Even in his absence, your connection with your father deeply etches itself on your heart. Reflecting on his imprint isn’t just an act of nostalgia; it’s a testament of enduring love that transcends his physical presence. Embracing this imprint within your grief, you nurture your natural longing for closeness. In this act of remembering, you
Navigating through Father’s Day after a complex relationship can be a challenging and emotional process. It’s a day that can stir up a mix of emotions, especially if your relationship with your father was marked by mental illness, addiction, or any form of abuse. For me, my stepfather had bipolar disorder, a condition that brought an
Grief is a journey often difficult to navigate with words alone. Sometimes, the feelings and experiences are so profound that conventional language fails to capture them fully. This is where the power of metaphors, combined with the therapeutic practices of journaling and drawing, comes into play. By engaging in these expressive activities, you’re not just
Grief has a profound way of reaching deep into our past, stirring up long-buried unmet needs from childhood. This emotional upheaval can resurface feelings of insecurity, abandonment, or not being seen and heard. It’s as if the loss we experience in the present echoes the unresolved pain and longing from our earliest years, bringing them
In mindfulness, we find a powerful ally in our quest for clarity. It teaches us to see our thoughts and beliefs for what they truly are, allowing us to release what no longer serves us and embrace the truth of our experience. This clarity is not just about seeing more clearly; it’s about choosing to
Meditation offers a sanctuary for the mind, a place where calmness and clarity can replace the turmoil and noise of everyday life. It’s a practice that doesn’t ask you to change who you are but invites you to become more aware of your inner self. When you are in deep grief, even a moment of relaxation
Widows, widowers, and anyone who has lost a partner knows just how hard it is to cope with grief on Valentine’s Day. Claudia Coenen, widow and creative grief counselor, shares creative ways to cope with grief and heartache on Valentine’s Day, as well as activities and practices to honor and celebrate you love that undeniably very much present.