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Grief and Gratitude at Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is often described as a time to count our blessings, but what happens when our hearts are carrying the weight of loss? Grief has a way of blending into every aspect of the holidays. The memories of past celebrations, the traditions that feel incomplete, the people we long for—it all comes to the surface. And yet, even amidst that pain, there can be space for gratitude. For those navigating grief this Thanksgiving: - It’s okay to feel overwhelmed - It’s okay to take care of yourself in the way you need. - It’s okay to share your story—you never know who might feel less alone because of it. May we all hold space for both grief and gratitude this season. May you feel gratitude that those who are no longer with you graced your life with their presence. #thanksgiving #gratitude #grief

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, but for many who’ve lost a loved one, it’s also a time when the empty seat at the table feels heavy. It’s natural to miss them deeply, but it’s also possible to blend their memory with moments of gratitude. Here are 3 meaningful ways to honor their memory this Thanksgiving: 1️⃣ Create a Tribute: Take a moment to share a memory, light a candle, or include their favorite dish in your celebration. These small gestures keep their spirit alive. 2️⃣ Practice Self-Compassion: Let yourself feel your emotions fully, whether it’s sadness, joy, or both. Grief doesn’t take a holiday, and that’s okay. 3️⃣ Focus on Connection: Surround yourself with supportive people. Talking about your loved one and sharing memories can bring healing and comfort. Grief and gratitude can coexist. This Thanksgiving, take intentional steps to honor their life and find moments of peace and connection. 💡 For more guidance on navigating grief during the holidays, click the link in my profile to connect with me. Together, we can find hope and healing. #GriefSupport #HealingAfterLoss #GriefDuringHolidays #ThanksgivingGratitude #EmotionalHealing #GriefAndJoy #LinkedInCommunity

For those that are grieving or supporting those that are grieving: Thanksgiving can be a bittersweet time, especially when you’re navigating the complexities of grief. It’s a moment filled with tradition, warmth, and connection—but it can also be a reminder of those who are no longer with us. At times like these, it's important to honor both your feelings and the spirit of the season. Here are some gentle ways to embrace Thanksgiving while grieving. Create a Memory Space Set up a small area at your gathering where family and friends can share memories of your loved one. This could include photos, letters, or favorite mementos. Allowing this space can bring comfort and spark meaningful conversations. Acknowledge Your Emotions It’s perfectly okay to feel a mix of emotions during the holiday. Allow yourself to express grief alongside gratitude. Sharing your feelings with loved ones can foster a sense of connection and support. Incorporate Traditions Continue any traditions that remind you of your loved one. Whether it’s preparing a favorite dish or lighting a candle in their memory, these acts can honor their presence in a meaningful way. Practice Gratitude While grieving, focus on what you are grateful for in the present. This might include cherished memories, supportive friends, or small moments of joy. Sharing these reflections can inspire others to join you in celebrating the beauty still present in life. Take Breaks If the gathering feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to step away for a moment. A short walk or a quiet space can help you recharge and return to the celebration with a renewed spirit. Reach Out for Support If you’re struggling, consider reaching out to friends, family, or support groups. Talking about your feelings can provide relief and remind you that you’re not alone in your journey. End the Day with Reflection As the day winds down, take a moment to reflect on the experiences, emotions, and connections of the day. Journaling your thoughts can be a powerful way to process your feelings and honor your loved one. Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness, even amidst sorrow. Embrace the opportunity to connect, reflect, and create new memories while honoring those you’ve lost. You are not alone in your grief, and there is strength in sharing your journey. Together, let’s inspire one another to find hope and healing this season. Wishing you a compassionate and meaningful Thanksgiving. #grief #griefandloss #nurseleaders #therapists #griefeducation

Our grief and loss support team has suggested several online resources related to understanding and coping with grief and loss. We hope the article below from What's Your Grief brings warmth and comfort to those for whom Thanksgiving can be difficult or lonely: https://lnkd.in/gmkrjQtq Find more recommended resources here: https://lnkd.in/gaf_2VCt #griefjourney #griefawareness #griefandloss #hospicecare #griefsupport 

The holiday season is in full swing. As soon as the Halloween decorations were removed, some homes in my neighborhood went straight to the Christmas decorations. Yikes. Now. everywhere you turn there are ads, commercials, postings, decorations and reminders to get into the holiday spirit. However, as those of you in the US plan to gather with friends and/or family on Thanksgiving you feel a bit unsettled. You aren’t happy or sad. You’re in that melancholy, limbo place. You have a hard time finding the energy to do anything. You feel bad when you laugh because it feels like a betrayal. You hide your sadness because you don’t want anyone else to feel bad. And you’re tired of people telling you that you should be over it already. Geez! What is wrong with you?! In all honesty, there’s nothing wrong with you. You’re human. If you're dealing with grief, no matter what or how long it's been since it happened, emotions will come to the surface during the holidays. You can’t change what has happened or how you feel. It’s OK to feel your true feelings. Those feelings just want to be felt. When you set them free, you free yourself. Yeah, it sounds easy but you’re not sure how to do it. I know first-hand how challenging this time of year is for those who have experienced loss. It’s been more than forty years since my first husband died and I still get twinges of sadness. In spite of that, I've also been able to experience the joy of the season. You want that too. You want to get through the remainder of the year without falling apart. You want to feel that holiday cheer. To help you find that, I've created a simple yet powerful free workshop to help you get the clarity and guidance you crave - Navigating Your Grief Through the Holidays, Tuesday, November 26th at 2:00 pm, Pacific (5:00 pm, Eastern) If you're feeling uncertain and lost, you owe it to yourself to click the link and register. https://lnkd.in/g3SBJcAi Discover how you can experience joy alongside your pain.

Thanksgiving is around the corner, For many, Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude and togetherness. But for those grieving, it can be a painful reminder of who's missing at the table. Here's how to navigate the holiday when your heart feels heavy: Set Boundaries and Honor Your Emotions You don’t have to force joy or attend every event. It’s okay to say no to gatherings or traditions that feel overwhelming. Honoring where you are emotionally can help relieve some of the pressure to "keep it together." Lean on Your Support System Don’t hesitate to reach out for help or share how you're feeling with trusted family or friends. Let them know if you need space, a listening ear, or just someone to sit with you. Support from others can make the holiday season feel less isolating. Allow Flexibility in Your Plans It’s okay if your plans change last minute, or if you find that what you thought you could handle feels like too much. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself permission to change your mind or step back if necessary. Navigating the holidays while grieving is difficult. And grief can feel heavier during the holidays. If you’re struggling to find joy, don’t force yourself to skip past the darker emotions. Give yourself permission to grieve. Be well, thank you for being here today, Namaskaram 🦋 #thanksgiving #holidayseason #togetherness

As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, it's important to remember that not everyone finds the holiday season easy. Many of us have lost loved ones, and the holidays can amplify feelings of grief and loneliness. This Thanksgiving, let's make a conscious effort to spread kindness and compassion. A simple act of kindness can make a world of difference to someone who is struggling. Whether it's lending a listening ear, offering a warm meal, or just sharing a smile, every gesture counts. Let’s be there for each other. Reach out to those who might be feeling alone or left out. Our shared humanity and connection can provide the comfort and support that many need during this time. I pray that each of you has a blessed Thanksgiving. Remember that you matter, and your kindness has the power to brighten someone’s day. Let's make this Thanksgiving not just about gratitude, but also about giving—giving love, compassion, and understanding. #Thanksgiving #Kindness #Compassion #YouMatter #SupportEachOther #Blessings #HolidaySeason

Gratitude. And grief. Both can exist at the same time. Gratitude can make grief easier, but it won’t make it disappear completely. Gratitude can support as you move through life’s challenges. But it will not make like challenge-less. This Thanksgiving I have been reflecting. Oh. How much I have to be grateful for. And I have been feeling it. Feeling all of it. And… this weekend has been challenging for me. I have been thinking a lot about the past 2 years. I found myself wandering down memory lane to the early days of Ethan’s diagnosis. So. I wanted to share a reminder to you. If you’re struggling with anything - grief and gratitude can co-exist. It’s ok to feel all the feelings… on both sides. I teach about universal law and one that speaks to this is the law of polarity. The law of polarity emphasizes that opposites are essential for fully understanding and experiencing life. It’s a reminder that day always follows night. When something bad happens, there is always good to be found. Sometimes you have to look deep, but it is there. So. What ever you’re feeling this Thanksgiving. Feel it. Feel it all. And remember to find something to be grateful for.

Struggling to feel thankful this Thanksgiving? Grief can make the holidays especially tough. Here are 5 ways to navigate grief during Thanksgiving and take care of your emotional well-being. 🌿💛 #GriefSupport #ThanksgivingAndGrief #SelfCompassion https://lnkd.in/ef9XZYSe

Struggling to feel thankful this Thanksgiving? Grief can make the holidays especially tough. Here are 5 ways to navigate grief during Thanksgiving and take care of your emotional well-being. 🌿💛 #GriefSupport #ThanksgivingAndGrief #SelfCompassion https://lnkd.in/egyQW7Us