SelfGrowth.com articles for Grief and Bereavement

***Allowing Grief; Awakening New Possibilities

creativetransformations@yahoo.com — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:00:00 am

Where two rivers joined, I spotted a large dead Ponderosa pine which had fallen down a steep ravine on its side, half of its trunk submerged in the water. Carefully navigating my way down the ravine, I felt excited….This was the first day of my vacation and the tree was the perfect place for me ...

Grief and Loss of Relationship in Marriage Counseling: Tips to Work Through the Five Stages in the Relationship Breakup.

jimbowen@boulderdenvertherapy.com — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:00:00 am

Haven’t we all felt the pit in our stomach, the disbelief it’s happening, feeling pissed off, calling up to get back together, and the sadness, when we go through the loss of a romantic relationship that we cared a lot about? Elizabeth Kubler-Ross wrote originally about these stages in terms of ...

Life After Suicide

thespiritualcatalyst@gmail.com — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:00:00 am

Why? This is a question which anyone whose life is touched by suicide will find themselves asking. Why would anyone willingly cause his or her own death? The answer to this question is simple but the grief experienced by anyone who is dealing with suicide is anything but simple. Suicide is a ...

Depression Message Board

rychhmo@aol.com — Tue, 22 May 2012 5:22:16 pm

Depression message board.. The statistics say that 25% of us get this awful illness at some time of our life, if we do not then we get seriously affected by it. It may be that your partner has it and this affects you very much too. Most only have it temporarily in a mild form but those who have ...

Little Girl Lost

choosehappy@tctahoe.com — Mon, 21 May 2012 12:00:00 am

I have had many memorable moments performing magic over the years. I have been fortunate to have been honored with awards from my peers. I have been hired by celebrities like Pirece Brosnan, Minnie Driver Steven Segal. I have worked on movies with Sean Penn and Albert Finney and Jack ...

Leave A Legacy Of No Regrets

dcarpenter@theaniyagroup.com — Tue, 8 May 2012 12:00:00 am

During my ten years of assisting families with making burial arrangements, I listened to countless expressions of regret by loved ones on behalf of the deceased. “I regret that he didn’t, she didn’t, I didn’t, we didn’t, or they didn’t.” This remorse that the deceased didn’t get a chance to ...

Why Should I Give a Eulogy?

aartistico@yahoo.com — Mon, 7 May 2012 12:00:00 am

Most of us dread public speaking – even presenting eulogies. Although eulogy audiences are more sympathetic and understanding than most, it is still public speaking, with challenges. The period following the death of a loved one is a trying time. You are likely experiencing grief and perhaps ...

Embracing Grief

abbg@ozemail.com.au — Sun, 6 May 2012 12:00:00 am

Embracing grief and seeing it as part of life’s’ normal cycle of events, when dealing with life changes will assist in seeing a clearer path moving forward and dealing with the events leading you to this place in time. Remember grief is not just the result of death, but any major life changing ...

Coping Strategies for Depression

rychhmo@aol.com — Sat, 5 May 2012 7:33:15 pm

Coping strategies for depression.. Even the most positive and pro active person can find it is very difficult to climb past the problems and feelings that come with suffering from depression. There are all sorts of things to think of. Not just how you feel, but how others see you and how it ...

***Tools for Transforming Depression

creativetransformations@yahoo.com — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:00 am

If you find yourself feeling unmotivated, lacking energy for life, grumpy or irritable, you may be depressed. Depression is typically caused by suppressed anger, at the root of which is the feeling of powerlessness. When we give our power away, our creative life force energy becomes stifled and ...

Grief into Depression - Issues in Senior Bereavement - Why Can’t Mom Just ‘Snap Out of It’?

constantcompanions@hotmail.com — Wed, 4 Apr 2012 12:00:00 am

Last year, I received a call from Sharon, the adult daughter of a potential client, Bette. Her father, Burt, had passed away a little over a year ago from an extended battle with cancer and Bette had been his primary caregiver. Until his passing, Bette was mobile, energetic and rarely sick. ...

***6 Keys to Re-Awaken Hope after Loss

creativetransformations@yahoo.com — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:00:00 am

While in the grieving process, it may feel as though hope has abandoned you. Depressed, you question your purpose for living. You ask, “Why did this happen? What is the point of it all?” You may have lost hope for living your dreams or don’t even know what they are anymore. Perhaps your loved ...

Stress and how it affects us!

sharon.sinclair@gmail.com — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:00:00 am

Why is stress so personally unique? Why do one person's buttons get pushed when others' aren't? There are no direct connections between the external stressors in day-to-day stressful situations - the boss that upsets you, or the traffic, or the loud noise - and the physiological mechanisms in ...

The Mystery of Emotion

sharon.sinclair@gmail.com — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:00:00 am

The Mystery of Emotion Emotion has always been something of a mystery. We have been taught to view emotion as a result of thought, but when we examine it carefully, we begin to suspect that this is not always true, that emotion is not under control of the brain but stands by itself, a factor ...

Dealing With Grief

shiroko@me.com — Sun, 1 Apr 2012 8:12:37 pm

Mary’s son died in Afghanistan a few years ago. Not much later she developed a painful ovarian cyst. She did not want to have surgery. When she came into my office, she was skeptical about the possibility of her son’s death and her cyst being related. Grief like most painful emotions is one ...

16 Ways to Get Through Tough Times

nlightnlove@gmail.com — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 12:00:00 am

Everyone has times during their lives that are challenging. Illness, the loss of a job, death, divorce, a relationship break-up, parental alienation, and other life-changing events serve to push us over the edge if we aren’t careful. While we may not have control over some of our ...

***Living a Purposeful Life

creativetransformations@yahoo.com — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 3:27:33 pm

Surrounded by royal blue water extending beyond the horizon in all directions, no land in sight, I gaze at the path of diamonds dancing on the ocean’s surface. The sun radiating on my skin feels like a warm cashmere sweater. It is August 19, 1998, and I am on my first ocean passage of a ...

Decluttering a Loved One's Possessions

dargis@chartermi.net — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 8:27:04 pm

First of all, no one, not decluttering gurus, best friends or anyone else can tell you what to get rid of and what is important to keep. Only you know the stories behind your possessions and how they affect you. There is no "should." You don’t have to get rid of anything. But, if you feel ...

The Tears of Purity

harrelbkoll@gmail.com — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:00:00 am

Crying resembles spiritual purification. It resembles the internal innocence of our minds. It helps release our emotional heaviness and gets all the negative energy out. I consider it as a form of purification. Most men and women are reported a feeling of relief after a worthy cry. And about ...

Dealing with Grief and Loss

grasyah@gmail.com — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 4:50:07 pm

We can never escape death. It is inevitable and yet when a loved one or a close friend died we suffered a great range of emotions. We desperately try to avoid the hurt, the pain, anxiety and feelings of helplessness we feel when we lost a loved one. Then we feel like life has gone back to ...

***Creating Room for Grief

creativetransformations@yahoo.com — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 3:23:09 pm

The grieving process is natural. Similar to the cycles of the seasons or the ebb and flood of the tides…it is not linear and straightforward, but it comes and goes. At times we may feel good about life…inspired, energized and in our passion. At others we may feel sad, fatigued and depressed. ...

What is a Eulogy?

aartistico@yahoo.com — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 4:37:46 pm

A eulogy is a farewell or memorial speech that gives high praise to a recently deceased person. Spoken publicly at a church, funeral home or even private residence, and sometimes in conjunction with a service, the speech honors, commemorates and even celebrates the deceased's life. Although ...

***How to Cope with Grief during the Holidays

creativetransformations@yahoo.com — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:00:00 am

The holidays can be challenging enough with all of the busyness of the season, but if you’ve experienced a major loss such as the death of a loved one, this time of year can be extremely difficult. Family gatherings where your loved one is not present can leave a huge void. Past memories of ...

Grieving through the Holidays--Three Steps to Cope

lorrielauer@aol.com — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:00:00 am

One of my favorite Christmas tree ornaments is a green ball my Father and Step-Mother gave me. It has little rocking horses on it with the words, “Baby’s First Christmas” for my son, Jared. It wasn’t just because it was Jared’s first Christmas that made it so special; it was because it was ...

The Death of a Child

jodi@takingflightbooks.com — Sun, 4 Dec 2011 4:28:06 pm

The Death of a Child Originally Posted on July 14, blog Indestructible Relationship by Kimberly Pryor Today, I’m turning The Indestructible Relationship blog over to an award-winning author and therapist I met recently at a conference in Philadelphia. Her name is Dr. Jane A. Simington, PhD, ...

Self-Help Rx for Loss and Grief: What to Do When It All Falls Apart

cl2799@yahoo.com — Thu, 1 Dec 2011 8:51:10 am

Whether you are feeling trauma from recent losses or are experiencing grief in the aftermath of past events, know that you can and will get through it. Following are pointers from first-hand experience. Having experienced personal and professional losses within a relatively short period of ...

Loss Is The Teacher Of Great Lessons

tamara@moximize.me — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00:00 am

As we head into mid-life we sometimes feel we are in crisis. We feel loss everywhere we turn; loss of our youth, loss of a relationship, loss of children to significant others, careers or school. We feel the loss of friendships, friends or relatives though death. Loss just circles us like ...

Sweet Memories

pastor.tele@gmail.com — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 2:04:31 pm

Nineteen years ago, I lost my younger sister. It was sudden and tragic. The pain was much, the wound was very ghastly. My heart bled for the loss of a sister, confidante and friend. I thought I would never be able to laugh again. In fact, I lost hope in everything. Then, memories of good times ...

How to Diagnose Depression

wendylau@diseasesymptomsdiagnosis.com — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 1:47:00 pm

Depression is a medical condition. It is not just on one's mind. It is not an imaginary illness. It is a real disorder that requires to be diagnosed. Hence, a person who suspects himself or herself of being depressed must undergo depression test to confirm the existence of the said disorder. ...

Coping with Grief

linney@infinitely-possible.com — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:18:26 am

Dark Days and Lonely Nights……. The dark pit of grief that yawned below my feet threatening to swallow me whole for weeks after my loved one’s death from cancer is finally fading and the overwhelming grief is subsiding to a dull ache in the middle of my chest. People kept telling me that ...

Teenage Relationships and Suicide Attempts

RJ@jrrsehopecoaching.com — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 12:32:03 pm

I'm the first to admit that teenage relationships can be some of the most intense relationships ever! But teens are also in danger of reacting to the drama of a tumultuous relationship or the ending of a relationship by resorting to life-altering decisions. Sadly, one of those reactions can ...

When You Are Grieving, Thanksgiving Day Feels Painful

maryjanebrant@gmail.com — Fri, 4 Nov 2011 1:07:09 pm

When you lose someone you love and are grieving, Thanksgiving Day feels burdensome and painful. When a brain tumor took away our precious Katie’s life I dreaded that holiday. For seven years we served no rutabagas because they were Katie’s favorite vegetable. The thought of their seasonal ...

Helping Teens with Anger

cnm.therapy@gmail.com — Sat, 8 Oct 2011 5:58:07 pm

Recognizing Anger Non Physical Signs * Controlling decisions * Isolating from friends, school, family * Having extreme standards * Blaming, insulting, name calling, threatening, questioning or checking up Violent- No Contact * Reckless driving ...

8 Ways to Let Go

oshunstar@yahoo.com — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 1:31:08 pm

Sometimes when things come to an end, we feel more than slightly lost. When a relationship, friendship or job ends it could seem to crash our world. Our blood, sweat, tears, hopes and often life-long dreams seemed to be shattered. Other times the endings are not so serious and yet they tug at ...

***A Year in Transition

creativetransformations@yahoo.com — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:00:00 am

“Discovering your Groove and creating a luscious life is all about allowing for Grace through your next transition.” - Shann Vander Leek The sun was an orange ball of fire in the sky as it sank lower over the horizon. I reached the end of the jetty and sat on a large rock to witness its final ...

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday...

sacredspacesfs@aol.com — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 2:18:47 pm

Where were you when on that terrible day? Until ten years ago, during my lifetime at least, that question almost always pertained to the day the shots rang out and killed Kennedy; his presidency the seeming symbol of refreshed and restored hope to a nation that had been bruised, bloodied and ...

Grief in the workplace

jane.galbraith@sympatico.ca — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:00:00 am

The workplace is like your second family to many people. Let’s face it, some people spend more time at work than with their immediate families!! After my mother died I don’t think that I was a very good employee. Of course, I couldn’t show it. You have to try to act like your old “normal” self. ...

Nobody Wants to Talk about it - Baby Boomers Face Grief

jane.galbraith@sympatico.ca — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 6:07:19 pm

Baby Boomers are in for a shock!!! We may think that we are prepared for the sadness that will accompany our parents’ death. In fact we are usually totally unprepared for this life experience. To lose the people in your life that have always been there and know you the best is a life-altering ...

How to Get Things Done When You Are An Emotional Wreck

dargis@chartermi.net — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 4:39:51 pm

Even though I am still reeling from my son’s death, things still must get done – taxes, money stuff, work, prosecution stuff… Here’s what’s been working for me: 1. Have grief sessions every morning and/or evening. Just a time to let whatever you are feeling out – through music, ...

Drumming At Green Lake

mtbisis@yahoo.com — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:00:00 am

Drumming at Green Lake is such a wonderful experience. All of nature surrounds me as I sit close to the water, trees, birds, ducks, water lilies, turtles and a lone crane. Having no formal training in drumming and being a little shy, I prefer to go drumming at Green Lake away from the busy ...

Grieving for a Dying Friend

mtbisis@yahoo.com — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:00:00 am

The journey of grieving for a dying friend has begun for me. It all began early last month when I heard that my friend Debbie's cancer had returned. Another friend Chris and I went to see her soon after she had a series of tests done. We were startled by how weak Deb had gotten so suddenly. My ...

***Dive into Life!

creativetransformations@yahoo.com — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:00:00 am

Sobbing, I exclaimed, “I finally have my life back!” Sitting on a catamaran on a beach at Mission Bay in San Diego last week, my step-mom, sister, her boyfriend and I took time out to celebrate my brother, Kyle’s life on the anniversary of his death. He had been gone for twelve years now. We ...

The 10th Anniversary of 911 - How You Can Help

maryjanebrant@gmail.com — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:00:00 am

On September 11, 2011, we remember the 10th anniversary of the day when nearly 3,000 victims were killed after two airliners were crashed into the Twin Towers in New York City, another plane hit the Pentagon and a final plane crashed into a field in rural Pennsylvania. This devastating number ...

Holy Smoke!

kristinecklund@gmail.com — Mon, 8 Aug 2011 12:00:00 am

This was written by a friend of mine Sheri McMurray, and when I read it, I immediately asked her if I could share it. It is such an amazing story. (She is a flight attendant. which helps to know just for ease of reading mid-way through.) The day [my cat,] Chloe, died I was trying to clear ...

Ghosts of the Wheat Harvest

Dan@DanLHays.com — Fri, 5 Aug 2011 12:00:00 am

In the fall of 1990, I was meeting with two other men on a regular basis to explore our dreams and aspirations. Every two weeks, we would gather at a Chinese buffet and talk for several hours about things we’d like to do some day. It was around the time of the Men’s Movement, where men went ...

***Emerging From a Cocoon

creativetransformations@yahoo.com — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:00:00 am

Discouraged, I thought, “I wish I could afford to go to therapy.” The grief over my last miscarriage and my pet’s illnesses weighed heavy on me. Further, for the past nine years, I had experienced one early pregnancy loss after another. Tired of leaning on my husband and friends for support, I ...

Embrace Death, Live Life

mike@mike-robbins.com — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:00:00 am

My mom, Lois Dempsey Robbins, was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in early March. The disease spread very quickly and on June 13th, she passed away. I was honored and grateful to be with her through her dying process. It was both horrible and beautiful at the same time. My mom's ...

Keeping you relationship strong through the death of a child.

jodi@takingflightbooks.com — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:00:00 am

Navigating Turbulent Waters of Grief? Tighten the Life Vest on Your Relationship For more than thirty years, I have been a professional, helping people as they move through difficult life experiences. I am also a bereaved mother whose son was killed when he was 13 years of age. My therapeutic ...

***The Heart Rock Story

creativetransformations@yahoo.com — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:00:00 am

Cruising on I-90 form Washington back to Colorado, John and I are ready for rest after eight hours of driving. We stop at a campground with easy access to the freeway, just outside of Missoula, Montana. Fortunately, the campground is practically empty. We set up camp among tall ponderosa pines ...

Help for the Trauma of Abortion

tara@taraspringett.com — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 10:03:45 pm

The following case-studies demonstrate what can be achieved in terms of help for the psychological effects of abortion by practicing the simple self-help method of higher-consciousness healing. Case study 1: Barbara (31 years) Barbara experienced strong and lasting guilt feelings about an ...