Navigating The Holidays Need #6

Tips to navigate the holidays...Interpreted from “Healing Your Holiday Grief” by Dr. Wolfelt

"UNDERSTAND THE SIX NEEDS OF MOURNING Need #6: Receive ongoing support from others."

Sometimes this is the absolute hardest need for most. Most don't want to "burden" others or maybe struggle to even feel worthy of someone else's support.

These make it even more important to lean on others. Let them do what they offer. Even if it doesn't seem like it is important.

Most people don't know what you may need, so they offer what they can. If you turn them down, they can become less likely to reach out as they now feel like they are burdening you. If you accept their support in whatever they can offer, they are more likely to continue to feel needed and helpful and keep showing up. So accept that 56th casserole. Add it to the freezer or pass it on. But accept it.

On the other side, if you're looking to support someone, offer SPECIFIC assistance that you can easily and reliable follow through with. Grief brain is real and most people don't know what they want or need so the typical "Call if you need me" is SUPER INEFFECTIVE. Make a real plan and stick to it. "I'll walk your dog every Tuesday evening at 6pm" or ""I'll bring you dinner the first Sunday of the month."