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 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...
The winter holiday season can be challenging for people who are grieving. Below are some questions to consider as you care for yourself and tend to your grief during the holiday season.
These questions reflect the common concerns of those who are grieving during the holiday season,...
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...
Responding to invitations and social obligations during the winter holidays while you are grieving can be challenging. Your needs and energy level will fluctuate in your grief.
Here’s how you can handle these situations in a way that honors your grief and healing and sets...
As the leaves begin to fall and the crispness of autumn settles in, many of us are reminded of the weight we carry—those unseen burdens that have accumulated over time. Picture a child struggling under the weight of an overfilled backpack, each step becoming heavier, more challenging. This...
As the seasons begin to change and the fall season unfolds, many people look forward to the cooler weather and upcoming festivities. But if you’re grieving, this time of year can bring anxiety and a sense of dread, knowing that the winter holidays are just around the corner.
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EARLY GRIEF. Just hearing those words can bring a sigh of exhaustion and sorrow. If you’re in the thick of it, it can feel like the very ground beneath your feet has disappeared, leaving you in a world where nothing makes sense anymore. If you’re here, chances are you’re...
Your grief is as unique to you as your fingerprint. Therefore, you are your own best guide in your unique grief. Seasonal changes, especially the transition from summer to fall and then into winter, can intensify your grief for several reasons. Knowing these can help you be prepared to take...