Some days the JOY comes in minuscule moments. A laugh from a child. Snuggles from Boston. A hug from someone you love. The innocence of a child. A message from a friend - or all of them. The sunshine after the rain. Dinner at an old favorite. The perfect cup of coffee. Macarons from @joymacarons! Those are all things I experienced today. In the midst of the roller coaster of grief, these moments remind me I’m still here and need to celebrate the little things! #rollercoasterofgrief #movingon #friendsandfamily❤️ #heatherandhollis #holliswynn #dallastx #joymacarons #celebratethelittlethings
Looking back, I think there are parallels here to life and grief. We expect our lives to be like the first coaster. We don’t really know where we are going but even through the ups and downs, it’s enjoyable. Sure, there are times where things dip and we’re sad, but we can see through to the other side. But occasionally we get on the second coaster in life. There is no looking ahead. No matter what life is throwing at you, you must just look straight ahead to remain intact. Letting your body and mind deal with what is happening now. There is no view into what’s ahead, and you’re only job is to get through the next loop de loop without spilling your lunch." Emily Vielhauer writes about her recent experiences on two different roller coasters and how they reminded her of this experience of widowhood. Read more here: https://widowsvoice.com/post/rollercoaster-of-life/ Which roller coaster do you feel like you are on today? #rollercoasterofgrief #ssiwidowedmusings #widowedmusings
Remember to always be kind as you never know what’s going on behind that smile 🙏🏼 #compassion #kindnessmatters #lookafteroneanother #youneverknowwhatsomeoneisgoingthrough #spreadalittlesunshine #rollercoasterofgrief
Grief is sneaky… The past few days I couldn’t shake this physically “yuckiness” (don’t think that’s a real word but closest to how it felt lol). Thought it must be a bug or maybe allergies. Then when my daughter called with excitement to say they got their moose…it hit me. The tears flowed down my cheeks and my heart ached. I allowed the wave of grief to wash over me. Those that knew Avery knew how much he loved this time of year. Our little hunter. Loved everything about this season. The weather, the gear, spending time up at the camp and the rituals that come with hunting season. He would have drove us all crazy once he found out his dad got his moose license. I can see in my mind that huge smile today when they got the big one. I know I’m my heart he was right there with them, yet my mind and body feels the absence of his presence physically. It doesn’t matter the time that has passed. It doesn’t matter the healing you have done. Some days just suck. Running from the feelings or feeling shame for having them doesn’t serve me or my journey. Feeling pain is healing. Grief is love. So I paused for today. And will continue on the path tomorrow. The “why’s” and “should’s” are a strong force trying to invade my mind. I won’t allow them. They don’t serve anything but to add more pain and suffering. They don’t add value to my life, so I continue to look to where he is and stay present in the now. Wanted to share for those to scared to feel or to talk about grief this way. It is normal. It is ok. It does suck the big one. And it’s today. Tomorrow is a new day. #griefjourney #certifiedgriefeducator #grief #rollercoasterofgrief #stayingpresent #powerwithintoheal #4Av
Next week will be the 5th anniversary of Kevin's death. Looking back, I have come a long way since the early days when I felt like a small child again, completely at sea with all the turbulent emotions, the excruciating pain in my chest and grief in general. This video is about some of the things that I have learned about grief that were totally unexpected and how I am dealing with my feelings on this anniversary which feels like an important milestone to me. Whether we are feeling fine for a while or going through a sad or rough spell, it is best to simply accept it for what it is, go with the flow and sit with our emotions rather than suppress them. But while we go through these low spells, it is important that we keep nurturing ourselves. There are things that can help all grievers cope better with grief because they universally apply to all human beings: such as avoiding blood sugar roller coasters on top of the emotional ups and downs of grief. It is true that everybody grieves differently. However, how our body responds to the emotional stress response triggered by grief is the same for every person. And this weakens our digestive system. And this in turn can trigger a cascade of imbalances that need to be taken seriously and not just dismissed as 'grief symptoms' that will eventually go away. Because they may not. Watch this webinar on 'Nutrition and Bereavement' if you would like to know more about the link between grief, its impact on our gut and therefore on our mental, physical and emotional wellbeing and how you can help yourself and take back control: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHAVhqqmgtY I hope that by sharing my journey so far, it will help you understand yourself better and give you hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel. It just takes time, perseverance and effort to get there eventually. And some basic knowledge about good nutrition and stress management. :)
Grief affects everyone one in completely different ways, it doesn't mean something is wrong because we do it differently than someone else! Be kind to yourself and make space for every emotion you need to project! 💚🌟 @grieflyconnected #rollercoasterofgrief #grieveyourway
In between Hello and Goodbye, there was so much love. A little drop of some candid Frankie B in the six weeks we all shared together. Thanks to all of you who have shared my grief, send prayers and kindness, donated to our fundraiser to bring him home and who have toasted to Frankie B - my weekend has been a roller coaster… moments of disbelief and despair for the unfairness of it all, mixed with so much warmth and love in the shared weight of the loss of this special boy. Thank you.
Nature saving me once again! I was having a right wobbly day yesterday, even swimming didn't snap me out of it. However, when I left the pool, I came across these gorgeous youngsters! Instantly snapped me out my misery ❤️😍❤️ I've been swimming there 8 years & it's the first time I've seen these guys. They chose the PERFECT time to appear! 😍😍😍 #wildlife #deer #whitebums #powerofnature #perfecttonic #rollercoasterofgrief #scottishwildlife #beautiful 😍 #naturalmoodenhancer 🦌
Ever catch yourself in your grief journey feeling like you've taken one step forward and then two steps back? You're not alone and you haven't actually gone backward. The journey of grief is very similar to a roller coaster ride. There are ups and downs, twists and turns, unanticipated curves, dark tunnels, stomach churning loops, as well as moments that allow you to catch your breath and slow down for a bit. The main thing to remember is that on a roller coaster ride, the car is always moving forward. The ups and downs are a part of the journey, just as your ups and downs are a part of your progress forward in healing. Keep holding on and know that working through those sharp curves and twists and turns is moving you forward. . Photo by Meg Boulden on Unsplash . #grief #rollercoasterofgrief #griefsupport #upsanddowns #movingforward
Scratch what you’ve learned about the “stages of grief”. Grief is not a tidy and linear process that you move through and graduate at the end. It’s messy. It’s painful. It’s hard. You bounce around, you go up and down, you can’t sit still, or can only sleep. It never ends.... but it does change. Be gentle with yourself. #grief #stagesofgrief #griefismessy #griefispainful #griefishard #pain #hurt #rollercoasterofgrief #upanddown #livingwithgrief #grievingwell
Hello 👋🏼 To new followers.. a bit about us💭 . My connection with MND started when I was about 15 and holiday in Spain .. when my Godfather (Dads best mate) fell down some stairs.. later we found out he had #motorneuronedisease at the time I didn’t know what it was, but I saw the affect it had on their family and how over the years he deteriorated .. in 2018 my Dad got diagnosed with MND and after returning from living in Melbourne for a few years I was working as a supply teacher and living back with mum and dad when we got the news. Dad deteriorated quick, and within 6 weeks he was using a walking aid and unable to use his right hand.. we started fundraising for @mndassoc and I even started running and completed my first and only ever half marathon in October 2018, we went on to hold 6 fundraising events as Every Proseccond Counts, mostly all dads ideas and my brother and I just put his ideas into action (alongside our amazing team of friends and family) .. Dad attended every single one of our events even when he was unable to talk or communicate and had a breathing mask on.. he inspired us and yet we inspired him 💫 During this time, I left my job and became dads full time carer which at the time we laughed at, “you aren’t my carer alexsey you are just my helper” I continued to “help” Dad everyday with personal care, and making life worth living.. However, Dad passed away on 17.01.2020 and took with him something I can’t describe from inside me.. the rollercoaster of grief I have experienced this year I still haven’t be able to process yet, but that’s ok 💗I rebranded to Voice for MND this year to start a nee chapter of helping others not just my dad! The online community have been insanely educational, inspiring and supportive so I thank you for your messages, comments, and for allowing me a platform to voice not only my thoughts and feelings but all of yours too .. I feel grateful to have this as my daddy’s legacy and I will never ever stop until we live in a world free of MND 💭 . Sending love and light to all xx .
This is some heavy shit right here. My eyes & smile tell all if you know me well enough. November turned my life upside down ! I don’t know if I speak about my mom too much or not enough honestly . I’ve honestly felt lost like how can I live without my mom being my go to for everything. Slowly I’ve been finding my happiness again. I’m not so sad when I wake up from missing her. Thank goodness for amazing people in my life that pick me up when I am down I’m forever grateful for you all 💕 #rollercoasterofgrief #imonthepursuitofhappiness
Mum is now in the rose garden in the cemetery. I miss talking to her every day but I see her in my sister and in me. Thanks Mum for being a wonderful mother and a great friend. I would not be where I am if not for you ❤️ 🌹 #rollercoasterofgrief
Riding the morning storm. #rollercoasterofgrief #griefsucks
I dreamt about my Dad last night. He was on a rollercoaster; so am I. I guess he is here. 💙 . #Grief #RollerCoasterOfGrief #RIPDaddy #SuicideLossSurvivor #SuicideGrief 💔
Seeing the light at the end of the road. #thingsthatmakemehappy #rollercoasterofgrief
Seeing the light at the end of the road. #thingsthatmakemehappy #rollercoasterofgrief
Riding in the storm this morning. Still finding moments of beauty. #rollercoasterofgrief
Riding in the storm this morning. Still finding moments of beauty. #rollercoasterofgrief
Even in winter these bees are buzzing. It made me smile as I dragged myself into work today. Welcome to the #rollercoasterofgrief #thingsthatmakemehappy
Even in winter these bees are buzzing. It made me smile as I dragged myself into work today. Welcome to the #rollercoasterofgrief #thingsthatmakemehappy
“Put the billy on lovey” ~ what I’d give for one more cup of overly sweet instant coffee with you. This morning there’s a lump in my throat & tears well in my eyes. It’s a long weekend, you should be here, you should be turning up unannounced, knocking on my door & popping in to have a cuppa with me, to come see your grandkids, play wrestle with them, giving them “knuckle sandwiches”, having a chuckle in my backyard pulling out weeds and telling me I need to clean up my yard. You should be here....
#truestory should be #rollercoasterofgrief not #stagesofgrief
︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎ darkness falls through the rain a feeling of sadness my soul cannot resist sadness and longing sorrow resembles the rain then with music, cares silently steal away ❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎❁︎ Melancholic blackout poetry for your Thursday, happy flowers to counteract ♡︎
When you've been in a grief hole all day but then suddenly feel like dancing like a crazy person and your cat doesn't approve....... #grief #selfcare #catsofinstagram #tortoiseshell #rollercoasterofgrief #crazyemotions
New blogpost if you'd like to read it http://www.itsawidowslife.co.uk/blog/ #itsawidowslife #baddaypositivemessage #rollercoasterofgrief #upsanddowns #grief #bereavement #roadtorecovery #lifeafterdeath