I needed to read this. I think I have been over-committing myself to keep my mind busy. It has begun to eat into my quiet space and I am beginning to feel the effects of that.
Thank you, Elizabeth. Your words resonate. I think that distraction is a necessary lifeboat while on the raging rapids of grief. I couldn't have handled the full weight of my grief. I too realized years after Nick died, that I had to slow down. Between distractions and running a foundation, I kept picking at the scab that would continue to bleed.
It wasn't until I was able to sit with the grief, journal my rage and sadness, and place it alongside me for a while so I could feel the pain. It was so hard at first. But what happened was once some of the pain eased, I felt Nick. This gave me hope to be less distracted and feel more in order to create this new relationship with my son.
"In her new book, Conscious Grieving: A Transformative Approach to Healing from Loss, grief therapist and author Claire Bidwell Smith writes about making space for grief. She recommends consciously engaging with our grief. That starts with staying present and getting the support you need to deal with your feelings. She shares a new framework for each stage: Entering, Engaging, Surrendering, and Transforming."
What Claire Bidwell Smith writes so much sense to me. I really appreciate the time you take to write your heartfelt words that give us glimpses of your beautiful son. I'm also grateful for the resources and connections you create in our Substack community. ❤️
Janine - I completely agree that sometimes distraction is a necessity. I struggle with this every day. It's inspiring to know that you gained a stronger connection to your beautiful son Nick once you began to sit with your grief.
I needed to read this. I think I have been over-committing myself to keep my mind busy. It has begun to eat into my quiet space and I am beginning to feel the effects of that.
Binu - I'm heartbroken reading about your beautiful daughter Sakshi. I'm glad this is helpful for you. Sending my love.
Thank you, Elizabeth. ❤️. I am sorry for your loss too. Thank you for sharing your lessons and courage.
Thank you, Elizabeth. Your words resonate. I think that distraction is a necessary lifeboat while on the raging rapids of grief. I couldn't have handled the full weight of my grief. I too realized years after Nick died, that I had to slow down. Between distractions and running a foundation, I kept picking at the scab that would continue to bleed.
It wasn't until I was able to sit with the grief, journal my rage and sadness, and place it alongside me for a while so I could feel the pain. It was so hard at first. But what happened was once some of the pain eased, I felt Nick. This gave me hope to be less distracted and feel more in order to create this new relationship with my son.
"In her new book, Conscious Grieving: A Transformative Approach to Healing from Loss, grief therapist and author Claire Bidwell Smith writes about making space for grief. She recommends consciously engaging with our grief. That starts with staying present and getting the support you need to deal with your feelings. She shares a new framework for each stage: Entering, Engaging, Surrendering, and Transforming."
What Claire Bidwell Smith writes so much sense to me. I really appreciate the time you take to write your heartfelt words that give us glimpses of your beautiful son. I'm also grateful for the resources and connections you create in our Substack community. ❤️
Janine - I completely agree that sometimes distraction is a necessity. I struggle with this every day. It's inspiring to know that you gained a stronger connection to your beautiful son Nick once you began to sit with your grief.