Grief during the holidays.
The holiday season is here once again. There are lights and holiday music everywhere and everyone is supposed to be jolly. Right? Well for some, this time of year is a reminder of who is no longer here, those people or pets who have died in the previous year. Instead of feeling joyful and happy, these people might feel a range of other emotions. They could be feeling sad, lonely, angry, lost, or even just numb. These are all normal given they are grieving.
So if you are someone grieving a loss in the previous year and feel you are struggling through this season, take care of yourself. Spend time with others if that feels right or spend some time alone if that also feels right. Don’t try to push away the feelings and memories, but instead allow yourself to feel them and honor them. Talk about the loss. Remember them. Create rituals that will honor the person or pet and also honor you. Let the tears flow. Let the pain out.
This time of year can be difficult for many reasons. Share it with people who matter and can be truly compassionate. Make it what you can in light of your loss. Be kind to yourself. The heart and soul can heal.