Navigating the Holidays Need #1

As we enter the holiday season I want to share from Dr. Wolfelt’s book “Healing Your Holiday Grief” These will be based on his core concepts regrading mourning.

“UNDERSTAND THE SIX NEEDS OF MOURNING"

Need #1: Acknowledge the Reality of the Death

• You must gently confront the difficult reality that someone you love is dead and will never physically be present to you again. • Whether the death was sudden or anticipated, acknowledging the full reality of the loss may occur over weeks and months. • You will first acknowledge the reality of the loss with your head. Only over time will you come to acknowledge it with your heart. • At times you may push away the reality of the death. This is normal. You will come to integrate the reality in doses as you are ready.”

This is why it is so important to have people that allow you the safety of remembering.

People that support your need to be with your loss and to repeat the reality of it as many times as you need to.

Find a safe space. Share your story and acknowledge your loss.