Dearest Neighbor, One of the number one stresses, concerns, and fears surrounding holidays and other celebratory events has to do with relationships. Think about all the jokes you’ve heard and possibly made about those crazy family get-togethers, the family tension, or worries about Who is going to say What. Some of the most common culprits of family rifts are miscommunication, … Read More
The Amazing and Healing Benefits of Cats: A Guest Post by Emily Parker
Journeyer, if your kids (or spouse!) are begging for a kitty for Christmas, here are a few reasons to make that happen! Animal lovers know how much love, peace, and calm a cuddly cat can bring, but not all of us know the many other benefits that come with adding a feline to the family. I’m honored to share this … Read More
Ask Annah: I’m Overwhelmed and Not Sure I Can Do “The Holidays.” What Can I Do?
Dearest Journeyer, The holidays and special events can be a difficult time–period–with additional demands on your time, energy, and focus. Add in grief and it’s no wonder you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. First, I’m sorry you’re struggling, yet I’m happy for your courage to find the resolution that works for you. Chances are, if you’re here, you want … Read More
Ask Annah: What Could I Have Done to Prevent or Change the Course of My Loss Event?
“What could I have done differently,” “What did I miss,” and “Where did I go wrong,” “Could I have prevented this from happening,” are common questions in loss. I asked each of the questions following my Gavin’s death, again after each of the two miscarriages, and yet again after I discovered my husband and my best friend having an affair. … Read More
Holiday Healing Tips: On Happiness and Setting Boundaries
“The Holidays” are associated with any things, one of the most prevalent being gift giving. For those of us who enjoy giving meaningful gifts that will bring joy to the recipient, celebratory events can add extra demands on our time and energy. Toss in the effects of conflict and grief due to some life loss event and the holidays can … Read More
Holiday Healing Tips: Being Okay with Not Being Okay and Self Care
Holidays and special events demand more from you, your time, energy, and patience. Toss in the effects of conflict and grief due to some life loss event and the holidays can become something that leaves you feeling overwhelmed, something you fear, or maybe even downright dread. There are a few simple strategies that can help you navigate the holidays with … Read More
Ask Annah: I’m Not the Same Since My Loss. How Do I Get Back to “The Old Me?”
Dearest Neighbor, “How do I get The Old Me back?” is a question I hear in many scenarios but most often when one of our fellow journeyers has faced a significant life loss. “My loss has changed me” and “I’ll never be the same again” are two common comments people make following a tragic or chaotic life event. What happens … Read More
Holiday Healing Tips: Trim Your Event List and Letting Go
Some of our most favorite holiday traditions include family, friend, community, and corporate gatherings and parties. Many of us derive great pleasure from holiday activities, but they do place additional demands on our time and energy. If you are dealing with conflict or grief following a life loss event, the additional holiday stress can make you feel downright overwhelmed and … Read More
Holiday Healing Tips: Family Gatherings & Being Flexible
Holidays are meant to be a time for remembering, reflecting, celebrating, giving thanks, and of coming together, Journeyer. Like many of you, I enjoy everything about hosting family and friends in my home. The smell of a meal wafting from the oven, the themed tableware, the drone of catching up chatter and the magic of laughter fill my home and … Read More
Holiday Healing Tips: The Decorations & Asking for Help
Some of our most favorite holiday pastimes include festive decorations and lights to adorn our homes and businesses. I typically spend a day with Christmas tunes streaming from the television as I carefully and joyously hang garland and strategically place NOEL blocks, Santa tapestries, themed bath linens, and other precious holiday pieces. Though I know a few people who only … Read More