While Christmas is about family, New Year’s can feel like an entirely different struggle. A new year is a fresh start for many, but for those grieving, it often feels like a painful reminder. Another year without them. Another step farther from the time you had together. It’s a lot to process.
As the seasons change and winter settles in, many of us feel a shift in our mood. The shorter days, colder temperatures, and lack of sunlight can bring about a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). For those already navigating the challenging path of grief, the impact of SAD can feel particularly heavy. Grief is a complex, deeply personal experience, and when paired with seasonal mood changes, it can feel overwhelming. However, there are ways to navigate this season with resilience and care, and one of the most beautiful approaches is inspired by the Scandinavian concept of “hygge.”
I believe that grief is a complex and non-linear process, requiring time, courage, and energy. I grant myself the permission to grief in my own way.
Cleaning out a loved one’s belongings after their passing is one of the most emotionally complex parts of grieving. It’s a deeply personal process that can feel like a delicate balance between holding on and letting go. Among all the tasks that come with this, sorting through clothes often feels the most intimate. These were the pieces they wore, the items closest to their skin, tied to their scent, and the memories of everyday moments. How do you navigate this task without feeling like you’re erasing their presence?
While Christmas is about family, New Year’s can feel like an entirely different struggle. A new year is a fresh start for many, but for those grieving, it often feels like a painful reminder. Another year without them. Another step farther from the time you had together. It’s a lot to process.
As the seasons change and winter settles in, many of us feel a shift in our mood. The shorter days, colder temperatures, and lack of sunlight can bring about a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). For those already navigating the challenging path of grief, the impact of SAD can feel particularly heavy. Grief is a complex, deeply personal experience, and when paired with seasonal mood changes, it can feel overwhelming. However, there are ways to navigate this season with resilience and care, and one of the most beautiful approaches is inspired by the Scandinavian concept of “hygge.”
Dealing with the loss of a parent can be a profoundly traumatic experience when it is unexpected, especially for young families. This unexpected loss is more intense, and the emotional impact resonates deeply within the family unit. Recognizing the unique challenges each child faces at different cognitive developmental stages is key to providing effective support.
Dealing with the loss of a parent can be a profoundly traumatic experience when it is unexpected, especially for young families. This unexpected loss is more intense, and the emotional impact resonates deeply within the family unit. Recognizing the unique challenges each child faces at different cognitive developmental stages is key to providing effective support.
In the realm of grief, the loss of a spouse or parent can be a devastating blow, especially for young families. The emotional turbulence that ensues is profound, and for those left behind, the first 5-6 months are akin to navigating through a storm where the waves of grief are relentless, crashing against the fragile stability of daily life.
The Sunday before the designated Mother’s Day has now been deemed as Motherless Mothers Day. This day allows those to join together in their loss while honouring their absent mother. Mother’s Day is a special day for many, but for those who have lost their mothers, it can be a difficult reminder of the absence, especially for the first couple years. The following suggestions are possible ways to spend the day that continues and honours your maternal relationship.
Although it is the natural order of life to expect your parents to die before you, many people are surprised by the complexity and depth of their grief when it happens. The death of a parent is a milestone in your life just as marriage, birth of children, or retirement. With the death of a parent there is a fundamental change in your identity and in the family structure.
Cleaning out a loved one’s belongings after their passing is one of the most emotionally complex parts of grieving. It’s a deeply personal process that can feel like a delicate balance between holding on and letting go. Among all the tasks that come with this, sorting through clothes often feels the most intimate. These were the pieces they wore, the items closest to their skin, tied to their scent, and the memories of everyday moments. How do you navigate this task without feeling like you’re erasing their presence?