It’s not uncommon for people to want to do something to give back to society or to make a difference in the lives of others when they have been through a significant loss. However, timing is very important with this. If the person has not adequately mourned their loss and worked through the grief journey […]
Read More...Professional Counselling – Is it for everyone?
Over the years I have met people who have attended counselling for years. Some are still working through some deep issues. For others, it has become a lifestyle. Then there are those who would benefit tremendously from working with a counsellor and have either never considered seeing one or simply refuse. Here are my thoughts […]
Read More...Sharing Loss with Others
Sharing our loss with others is an important piece to the grief journey. In sharing your story, it allows you to explore your feelings and to validate the impact that a particular loss has had on your life. People generally have good friends and close family members that they are able to share their feelings […]
Read More...Loss of Faith
There are a number of ways that we can ‘lose faith.’ If someone disappoints or betrays us, we may lose faith in them. Those experiencing a significant loss may also say they have lost faith in God, the world, society-at-large or in others. This is a challenging place to be. In my humble opinion, if […]
Read More...Death of a Hero
On June 17, 2011, Betty Fox, mother of Terry Fox died. I never met the Fox family; however, I remember exactly the moment that Terry Fox dipped his foot into the waters of St. John’s Newfoundland to mark the beginning of his Marathon of Hope. My family and I had recently moved to Northern British […]
Read More...The Loss of a Father
This is dedicated to my grandfather, father, brother, and to the father of my children. It’s been many years since we held them close, but we have never forgotten them. My Grandfather The memories our family shares of these men are vast. Some are joyful, others are painful. The differences that any of us had […]
Read More...The Loss of Joy
Precious babies and newborn animals bring joy to so many. Painting, photography, sculpting, gardening, mountain climbing and cooking are also ways that people experience joy. When you suffer a loss and it snuffs the joy out of your life, it’s difficult to put a smile on your face. Death, divorce, and other painful transitions, including […]
Read More...Ten Choices to Make When Life Feels Stuck!
1. Choose your feelings We have the right to choose our feelings and which of those feelings will take our attention. Acknowledge, name, and observe. 2. Choose forgiveness for others and yourself Learning to forgive does not mean “It’s okay what you did to me” or “I have no right to be angry.” You forgive […]
Read More...Brain Injury and Grief ~ Fact or Fiction?
There are many experiences in life that cause us to grieve. Generally, we think grief results from someone’s death. Certainly, death is a cause for grief; however, it is not the only way to experience loss. Divorce, separation, transitional losses (e.g. moving to a new community), and developmental losses (e.g. children leaving home) are also […]
Read More...Journaling Helps to Heal Your Heart
Keeping a journal has many benefits. The most obvious is that it is a way to record time, keep track of accomplishments, disappointments and transformations. The added benefits are very therapeutic. For example, keeping a journal to record your feelings and thoughts provides the writer with a safe, non-judgemental place to work through what is going […]
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It is an honor to share my journey through grief with you. Although my story is that ~ my story~ it is important for me to acknowledge that many people shared in the losses that I share here. Each of us had a different experience and each of us grieved and mourned in a unique way. While I empathize and truly shared in the pain of others who were also affected by these tragedies, I can only speak for myself and share...