Year-end Reflections

Winter is here in Alberta... I am already drawn to reflect on this year as it comes to the holidays and end of year. Personally, this year I focused on studying grief and it's many causes and effects. The opportunities, I have had this year volunteering with people going through loss and all its complexities has taught me the full spectrum of grief. The truth is we will all experience grief, and loving in life will eventually lead to grief. This to me is the beauty of the human experience. We cannot experience great love in this life, without great loss. I believe collectively we need to learn to change the way we manage grief. Although, I was working with people currently grieving the loss of a loved one it became apparent how much grief people actually go through in their lives and it is compounding: there is grief in divorce, job loss, friendship & family loss etc.. Then add in the loss of experiences and traditions, support... no wonder the holidays can drastically increase sadness. What I know now... Healing grief takes community, understanding, support, and it cannot be rushed, no matter the cause. Let's not avoid the hard conversation anymore, share more compassion and support for anyone going through grief this season XOXO