Hearts Held Well:
Grief and Healing with Robin Held
Grief has a way of isolating us, doesn’t it? In the midst of loss, it can feel as though the world carries on while your own has come to a screeching halt. If you’ve ever wished for someone to truly see your pain without rushing to fix it, then you’re not alone.
In my years of working with griev...
Deciding that you want and deserve grief support is a powerful step forward on your healing journey. It’s an act of self-compassion and courage. But where do you begin? When grief feels overwhelming, figuring out your next steps can be challenging. Let’s break it down into meaningful, manageable act...
When grieving the loss of a loved one, especially a spouse or partner, many people find themselves wrestling with a painful question: If I heal, does that mean I’m betraying them?
This fear, born from the depths of love and loyalty, is deeply human—and heartbreaking. Yet, the idea that seeking p...
It’s often said that “time heals all wounds.” But if you’ve been on a grief journey, you might already know the truth: time alone will not heal heartbreak. Healing requires action—deliberate steps taken over time to nurture and support yourself through loss.
Grief is deeply personal, and no two ...
You might be surprised by the factors that could be holding you back from seeking grief support. Let’s explore some common barriers to starting your healing journey. Do any of these resonate with you?
1. Stigma and Shame
Cultural or personal beliefs about seeking help for emotional issues can c...
Grieving is one of life’s most profound experiences. It’s raw, unpredictable, and deeply personal. But how do you know when you’re ready to seek support for your grief?
Deciding to pursue grief support is a courageous step, and there are many indicators that it might be time. If any of the followin...
When someone says, “Don’t feel bad,” to a grieving person, it often comes from a place of love and an earnest desire to help. Yet, despite good intentions, this phrase can unintentionally harm the person in grief—and may even require repair to rebuild trust in the relationship.
Why? Because of what...
In the world of grief, well-meaning advice often comes in the form of familiar phrases that are supposed to make us feel better. One of the most persistent and challenging beliefs is this: Replace the loss.
This idea can manifest in various ways, depending on the situation and how we choose to cope...
Grief myths are pervasive, often inherited from societal norms or well-meaning advice that can unintentionally hinder your healing. Among the most isolating of these beliefs is the idea that you should grieve alone.
Let’s examine this belief, why it exists, and how it can obstruct your healing.
...
When someone says, “Just give it time,” they often mean well. Perhaps they’re trying to comfort you, to express that grief is a journey that can’t be rushed. But while time is a necessary part of healing, time alone won’t heal your grief.
This belief—that time itself is the cure for heartbreak—c...
Grief is deeply personal, yet societal and cultural beliefs often shape how we think we should handle it. One of the most common inherited grief beliefs is the idea that we must “be strong for others.” On the surface, this sounds noble—putting aside your own emotions to comfort and stabilize those a...
Just Stay Busy (and Other Lies We’ve Loved)
When grief strikes, the world doesn’t stop. Responsibilities, schedules, and expectations remain. In the chaos of heartbreak, the urge to “just stay busy” can feel like the only way to survive. You might have heard this advice—offered with good intentions...