Holiday Limits, Boundaries and Self-Compassion Reminders" via What’s Your Grief (WYG). Visit Archive for the Holiday Season via WYG
How to Survive The Holidays When You're Grieving
How to Survive The Holidays When You're Grieving via Megan Devine
"The holiday seasons adds an extra measure of pain to people already bearing more than they can, more than they should ever have to. There is the empty seat at the table, the heaviness of all the ways the one you love is missing, traditions that have gone flat, smacking against the empty place.
Death, illness, massive life events — they all sour the season in ways those outside your loss can’t understand. Given that this season is going to be rough, how will you survive? Here are some of my holiday survival rules from my own early days. Remember, whatever you choose to do (or not do) this holiday season, staying true to yourself is important.
If you have someone who consistently tries to talk you out of your 'no,' you might respond by calling them out on their coercion: 'I keep telling you no, and you keep trying to convince me that I’m wrong. I need you to respect my decision.' Friends and family get to feel disappointed in your no, but they don’t get to force you to say yes.
Whether you are missing someone who should be part of the festivities, or you are missing someone who shared your love of quiet acknowledgment over raucous partying, this season will likely add to your grief.
Companion yourself. Care for yourself. Listen to yourself. Reach out where it feels good to reach, curl in when that is what you need. Make this season as much of a comfort to yourself as you can.
May your holiday season (or non-holiday, depending) be as safe, and full of love and connection as it can be.”
Visit refugeingrief.com for more Grief Support.
Grief & the Holidays: 6 Things to Remember
In the midst of the focus on joy & cheerful celebrations at this time of year, sharing a reminder of "Grief & the Holidays: 6 Things to Remember" via Claire Bidwell Smith
Ways to Survive the Holiday Season When You're Grieving
"The holiday season hurts. That is just reality. Whether you are missing someone who should be part of the festivities, or you are missing someone who shared your love of quiet acknowledgment over raucous partying, this season will add some to your grief. But there are ways to make it gentler for yourself..." via Megan Devine, Refuge In Grief
To read the full article, please visit: https://www.refugeingrief.com/2018/12/14/ways-to-survive-the-holiday-season-when-youre-grieving/
Grief: Special Days and Holidays. @VictoriaHospice
"After someone dies, you may find that your grief surfaces again and again. Often this seems to happen ‘out of the blue’ and it may feel like an unwelcome intrusion. You may have been enjoying yourself one moment and then be in tears the next. You may also notice that certain days, holidays or public events are more likely or return..."
Tips for Coping with Grief at the Holidays @WhatsYourGrief
"Because the holidays are tough for all of us, the least we can do are share our tips and tricks with one another to make the season just a smidge more tolerable." ~What's Your Grief
The Year I Ran Away from Christmas: A Mother’s Perspective on Grief and the Holidays.
"I have no need to run away during the holidays anymore. The other day my daughter, now a young woman, reminded me that Christmas is her favourite time of the year. I smiled and said, 'It’s mine too’."
Click the image above to read more about Judy's experience.
Getting through the holidays.
"The pressures around the holidays can be even more challenging after the death of a family member".
Click on the above image for tips that may help, as well as a Holiday Plan Worksheet to provide some guidance.