Hearts Held Well:
Grief and Healing with Robin Held
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
As a grief coach, I often help people uncover the roadblocks that prevent them from truly tending to their grief. One of the most common obstacles? Beliefs about grief that we’ve absorbed over time—myths that can slow our healing and make us doubt our own grief journey.
These...
In your grief journey, there is darkness, but there is also healing, and transformation.
This year, as a grief coach, I've witnessed the strength, resilience, and courage of countless people who have embraced their grief journey and emerged with their hearts filled with hope.
Today,...
We live in a grief-averse, grief-illiterate society. People, even your dearest people, mean well and still unintentionally say the most hurtful things to grieving people.
Dealing with well-meaning but hurtful comments during the holidays (and every day) while grieving is an...
When you are grieving, setting and maintaining boundaries during the winter holidays (and always) is crucial for protecting your emotional well-being. Boundary-setting and maintenance take practice: You won’t always have the energy for it; you won’t always get it right; it may forever...
The seasonal transition from fall to winter and into the winter holiday season can be a time of overwhelming emotions, especially if you’re grieving the loss of a loved one. While the world around you is wrapped up in festivities, you might find yourself grappling with the weight of your...
As the seasons shift from summer to fall and then to winter, the world around us changes dramatically. These transitions are not just external; they resonate deeply within us, particularly if we’re navigating the challenging waters of grief. Rest becomes not just a luxury but a NECESSITY...
As the fall season transitions into winter, the days grow shorter, and the air becomes colder. For many, this time of year intensifies feelings of loss and grief. The changing seasons can serve as a poignant reminder of those who are no longer with us, and the weight of that absence can feel even...