The faces of grief are an ever-changing landscape unique to each person’s experience. Depending on where you are in the process, the face of your grief and the words you use to describe it will vary all over the map.
Archive for the ‘Changes’ Category
The Many Faces of Grief
Friday, February 15th, 2013
What Defines Your Life? — an Experience, Person, Achievement, or Something Like Grief
Monday, January 28th, 2013
I doubt that anyone would argue with the statement, “Life is an ever-changing, developing story.” Stuff happens to us all the time. We find ourselves in different situations, sometimes unexpected. We meet new people. We go places, and we try new things.
Everything factors into the way we see ourselves and the world around us. We hardly notice certain things while others produce life-altering effects. That’s what I’m talking about here — the life-altering effects — and whatever creates them! So the question is: “What defines your life?”
What Color Is Your ‘Grief’ Umbrella?
Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013
You’re probably thinking, “I don’t even know what a ‘grief’ umbrella is”—and you’re asking me, “What color is your ‘grief’ umbrella?” Let’s work through this idea together …
Grief is a mystery and a shock when you first meet up with it. Nothing you’ve ever seen, read, or thought about grief prepares you for its reality. Just like death—when death steals someone you love away—a staggering realization hits your senses that your life has changed and it will never be the same again. That’s the way grief is, too. And when grief shows up, trust me, you’ll need ‘grief’ umbrellas.
Grief Under Fire: Get Past ‘Flashpoint’ Issues to Reach Healing
Monday, October 22nd, 2012
Anything that gets in the way of healing from grief is a concern, but certain issues are especially critical, complex, explosive, or unpredictable. I describe these subjects as ‘flashpoint’ issues because they hold the power to block your path to healing, to derail your progress.
Everyone’s grief is uniquely his or her own. Each experience is different, just as each person, personality, past, circumstance, and everything about an individual is unique.
Sometimes, certain issue(s) override everything else as you face your loss—and these issues can become the rocks that block your progression toward healing. Different circumstances will force particular issues to the forefront, issues that are somehow attached to, or emerge from your loss. Some examples are isolation; fear; anger; guilt; ‘Why?’ questions; victor/ victim; and “Do I really want to get well?”
In facing my own loss, flashpoint issues took me by surprise, either because they were so contrary to my own personality—or because I was shocked that they showed up as part of my grief.
Grief and Loss Bring Choices — and You Are not Powerless!
Thursday, June 28th, 2012
When circumstances and incidents take place that are outside of your control, do you sometimes feel as though you’re a pawn? Do you feel helpless? The truth is that loss is often beyond your control—and grief and loss bring choices—however, you are not powerless.
When grief entered my life, I was so naïve. I had no idea what to expect, and I surely didn’t realize I had choices (or responsibilities) for anything related to the grief that confused and overwhelmed me. However, as time went on, I came to understand that I did have choices to make—and these decisions carried the potential to drive me in completely opposite directions that would affect my future and my outlook on life.
Grief Was Not What I Expected — and What a Teacher It’s Been!
Friday, June 8th, 2012
I’m very excited to be guest blogging today for Fairhaven Memorial Park.
I hope you’ll check out the article—and share it with your friends and anyone you know who would be interested.
Just click on the link: Fairhaven Memorial Park
Grief Brings Change — and You Possess a Powerful Tool!
Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012
Grief is tied to significant loss, and grief brings change.
Whether your loss is the death of someone or the end of a relationship, loss of health or mobility, loss of your home or job, loss of your business or your assets, loss of security, or any meaningful loss, you will experience change. How you respond to the change (and this will likely be many kinds of changes)—will determine your future. How you respond sets your course in a positive or harmful way.
Attitude is one of the most powerful tools in your life, possibly the most important one. Your attitude determines how you ‘see’ what happened to you, and it will be a key element in how you respond.
Much, if not most, of what happens in your life is outside of your control. So how will you respond to the majority of events, conditions, and circumstances you face?
Think about it. Life is about learning. When we don’t get it right the first time, we usually get another chance to learn the lesson—and we keep going back to square one until we ‘get it.’
When You’re Stunned by Grief, Change Is Unavoidable
Friday, September 2nd, 2011
As quickly and as certainly as the sun will drop below the horizon in this photo, when grief strikes, change comes right along with it.
You may experience a few changes or many. Your circumstances will determine which internal and external changes occur — and how much they will affect you. They could be physical, emotional, financial, or spiritual ones, and possibly changes in relationships.
When your world turns upside down, no wonder change follows right behind. At first, change is staggering and maybe even paralyzing. I just want you to know what to expect.
I also want to assure you that your grief journey is a step-by-step process. Try not to take on too much too soon. You’ll find your own pace. I’d like to lend a hand.
Hold on!
© 2011 Judy Brizendine
Grief Is Sudden and Shocking – Coping with Grief
Wednesday, August 10th, 2011
No one is ever ready to face the grief of loss. And when it happens, it’s typically shocking, surprising, and sudden.
The August 6 deaths of thirty-eight people on a military helicopter that crashed in Afghanistan were a jolting reminder of the way grief invades our lives. We’re seldom prepared for the toll it will take on us — and how it changes everything instantly.
If you haven’t faced a devastating loss before, grief is a confusing stranger. When it happened to me, I didn’t understand, and I didn’t know what to do or think. Even if you’ve already faced grief and you have an idea what to expect, the pain is no less real when it strikes again — nor is the remapping process any less needed. There’s a path to follow to reach a place of peace and renewal once more.
Have you met grief? Please don’t try to face it alone. Let us help you find your way.
© 2011 Judy Brizendine
