Grief is a process that everyone goes through in their own way and on their own timetable, and it comes to us in many shapes and sizes.

Today's discussion focuses on grief in the context of non-death losses, which can still seize our hearts. I'm going solo today in sharing about two specific kinds of grief that I'm experiencing. Join me.

Show Highlights:

• How I'm grieving over losing my beloved German Shepherd to a sudden heart issue and sending my oldest daughter off to college
• How we are getting better at talking about grief and loss
• What we know about the stages of grief
• Why the stages of grief are a problem because grief isn't linear or concrete
• Why our grief came first as shock when we woke up to a dying dog who acted normally just hours before
• How shame may play into the grief process with the loss of a pet
• Why grief is qualified by society in deciding how we should grieve and for how long
• How sending a child to college feels like being let go from a job you love
• The physical changes that take place in daily life when these non-death losses occur
• Steps in dealing with a loss:
• • Name the loss (call it what it is)
  • Be nice to yourself (acknowledge the feelings and don't judge)
  • Look around (see the other wonderful things in your life)
  • Find somebody who gets it (talk with someone who understands)
• Why grief is a rebuilding period of life, routines, self, hope, and joy
• Final thoughts: "It's OK to adjust and rebuild your new normal. Grief is a transitional phase, and we all have a right to feel the sadness however we need to do it."

Resources:

Connect with Cristie:

Parenting Courses: www.wonderincwellness.com

Email: [email protected]