Tag: coping with loss

Finding Gratitude in Absence: Honoring Loved Ones During Thanksgiving

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

Thanksgiving is a season of gratitude, connection, and the warmth of sharing meals with those closest to our hearts. Yet, for many, it’s also a time when the ache of absence feels especially profound. An empty chair at the table may remind us of loved ones who are distant, estranged, or no longer with us. These quiet moments of longing reflect cherished memories and unspoken wishes.

But even amid the bittersweet pangs of missing someone, there are ways to honor those feelings, foster meaningful connections, and embrace the gratitude that Thanksgiving inspires.

1. Acknowledge Their Absence

Grief and longing are natural companions during the holiday season. Rather than suppress these emotions, invite them to be part of the day. Speak your loved one’s name, share a favorite story about them, or recall a cherished memory. Acknowledging their absence doesn’t diminish the joy of the season—it creates a space for joy to coexist with remembrance.

Consider a simple ritual to honor them, such as:

  • Lighting a candle in their memory at the dinner table.
  • Displaying a meaningful memento they treasured.
  • Writing a heartfelt letter expressing your thoughts and feelings.

These acts of remembrance not only honor their legacy but also keep their presence alive in your heart.

2. Create New Traditions

When the weight of absence feels too heavy, creating new traditions can offer a sense of renewal and comfort. You don’t have to replicate the past to honor it. Instead, find ways to infuse the holiday with fresh meaning:

  • Cook a dish they loved and share stories about why it was special.
  • Take a walk in their honor and reflect on the lessons they imparted.
  • Start a gratitude jar where everyone contributes a note of thanks, creating a shared experience that bridges the gap between past and present.

For those separated by distance, a video call or sharing a favorite photo can provide a moment of connection that transcends miles.

3. Lean on Community

Grief often feels isolating, but you don’t have to bear it alone. Reach out to friends, family, or trusted support groups. Sharing memories of your loved one can foster connection and mutual healing. Others may be missing them too, and together you can honor their impact on your lives.

If the loneliness feels too much, consider giving back. Volunteer to serve meals, donate to a cause your loved one cared about, or spend time with others who may also feel the weight of loss during the holidays. Acts of kindness can bring purpose and comfort to the day.

4. Find Gratitude in the Present

Even in the midst of loss, gratitude remains a powerful balm. Reflect on the laughter, lessons, and love your loved one brought into your life. These memories are gifts that continue to shape who you are.

At the same time, open your heart to the blessings still present—those gathered around you, the warmth of a shared meal, or even the beauty of a quiet, reflective moment. Gratitude doesn’t erase longing, but it can remind us of the richness of what we’ve experienced and what still lies ahead.

5. Be Gentle With Yourself

Holidays stir up complex emotions, and it’s okay to feel them all—joy, sorrow, love, and grief. There’s no right or wrong way to navigate the absence of someone you hold dear.

Allow yourself to let go of the pressure to make the day perfect. If the emotions feel too overwhelming, take a moment to step away, breathe, or cry if you need to. Honoring what your heart needs is an act of grace.

Carrying Their Love Forward

While Thanksgiving may amplify their absence, it also provides a chance to honor their love and legacy. Whether through stories, new traditions, or quiet moments of reflection, you carry their essence forward with you.

This Thanksgiving, as you gather around the table, let yourself hold them close in your heart. In doing so, you may find that they’ve never truly left. Missing them is a testament to the deep connection you shared—a bond that transcends time and space.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with gratitude, gentle healing, and the comforting presence of cherished memories.

Unlock the Secrets to Healing from Grief with Carolyn J. Murphy!

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

Are you struggling to move forward after loss, or perhaps supporting someone who is? You won’t want to miss this powerful episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse! This week, hosts Naty and Veda sit down with Carolyn J. Murphy—author, coach, and certified peer recovery specialist—who knows the depths of grief and the heights of healing.

In this episode, Carolyn shares her personal journey of loss, anger, and eventual transformation. Known as the “Mindshift Coach,” she reveals how shifting your mindset can be the key to unlocking emotional freedom. With profound insights from her book God, Why Did You Save Me?, Carolyn offers practical steps for those feeling stuck in grief and searching for a way out.

Whether you’re looking for tips on how to cope with grief, curious about how faith can carry you through dark times, or simply need some encouragement, this conversation will open your eyes to the possibility of healing. Carolyn reminds us that grief isn’t just about death—it’s about any kind of loss. And more importantly, it’s about finding purpose again.

Get ready for an episode filled with honesty, compassion, and wisdom. Carolyn’s message of hope is exactly what we all need to hear.

Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss:

  • How Carolyn learned to manage her grief after years of wearing a “mask.”
  • Why the first step to healing is giving yourself permission to grieve.
  • Practical strategies to break free from emotional cycles like anger and perfectionism.
  • The powerful role of faith and mindset in the recovery process.

To contact Carolyn

E-business card link: https://hihello.me/p/04d445a5-0f11-4815-9545-23287743ab43?sharer_id=UjMtyTW6SrQQUbmIMXt9U3caGTC3 (includes social media links)

Listening Sessions: https://payhip.com/FirmFoundationsCO

Mindfulness Practice Challenge: https://firm-foundations-co-llc.ck.page/15be6b2d67

Tune in now and take the first step towards healing. This conversation could be the spark that changes everything!

Catch the full episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse wherever you listen to podcasts or click on the picture below. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with anyone needing it. Grief doesn’t have to keep you stuck—join us as we learn how to move forward together.

Discovering God in Daily Moments

On By Naty MatosIn Thrive, Writing HappeningsLeave a comment

Are you ready to embark on a journey of faith, family, and mental health? Join us for a captivating conversation with Emily Hill, where we delve into the depths of life’s challenges and triumphs.

Emily’s story is one of resilience and discovery. Growing up in a pastor’s home, life seemed picture-perfect until the harsh realities of adulthood hit hard. From navigating the joys and struggles of marriage to grappling with the profound loss of miscarriage, Emily shares candidly about her journey through grief, anger, and ultimately, healing.

In this episode, Emily invites us into her world, where faith intersects with the everyday moments of life. Through personal anecdotes and reflections on scripture, she reveals how she found solace and purpose in the midst of darkness, discovering the real presence of God in the mundane and momentous alike.

But the conversation doesn’t stop there. Emily shines a light on the stigma surrounding mental health in religious communities, advocating for open dialogue and acceptance. She shares her vision for faith communities to become spaces of healing and support, where individuals can find both spiritual and tangible resources for mental well-being.

And don’t forget to check out Emily’s book, “Everyday Epiphany,” a devotional that explores the presence and purpose of God in the everyday moments of life. With personal anecdotes and insights drawn from scripture, this book offers a guiding light for those seeking to deepen their faith and find meaning in the midst of life’s challenges.

Join us as we explore the thin places where the natural and spiritual worlds collide, where grief is met with grace, and where hope shines brightest in the darkest of moments. Whether you’re seeking comfort, inspiration, or simply a listening ear, this episode promises to touch your heart and uplift your spirit.

Don’t miss out on this empowering conversation with Emily Hill, as we navigate the complexities of everyday life with faith, family, and mental health as our guiding lights.

Watch the full episode by clicking here and embark on your own journey of discovery and resilience. Because in the midst of life’s challenges, there is always hope to be found.

Finding Strength and Perspective at a Funeral

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment
Photo by Matthias Zomer on Pexels.com

When I accompanied a friend to a funeral this weekend, I never anticipated the profound impact it would have on me. It wasn’t just the somber atmosphere or the tears that were shed; it was the raw, heart-wrenching emotions that stirred something deep within me. This experience made me reflect on life, loss, and the powerful messages we sometimes overlook in the midst of grief.

As we entered the funeral venue, the sight that greeted us was heartrending. The decedent’s sister lay on the floor, consumed by her grief, and not far away, his youngest daughters, who were about the same age I was when I lost my father, were crying out for their daddy. Their sobs pierced the air, and the depth of their pain left an indelible mark on my heart. It reminded me of my own childhood, missing my father at graduations and father-daughter events. My mother did her best to fill the void with stand-ins—a caring uncle, a supportive coworker, and, eventually, my beloved brother who walked me down the aisle. While I am grateful for their presence, they could never replace my dad.

“Girl Grayscale” by Teddy Tavan/ CC0 1.0

My heart ached for those girls, knowing the milestones they would miss without their father. I could relate to their pain all too well. But what truly broke my spirit was witnessing the decedent’s mother stand to read her son’s obituary. She began with a smile, thanking everyone for attending, but my thoughts immediately turned to the heartbreaking reality that no mother should ever have to bury her child.

I couldn’t help but recall my own mother’s grief when my sister passed away shortly before my father. My mother never truly recovered from that loss, carrying the weight of her grief for 44 years until the day she joined them in eternity. As a parent myself, the thought of losing my child is unbearable and unimaginable.

Yet, amidst this sea of sorrow, there was a message of hope that caught my attention. A speaker reminded us to rejoice because the departed soul was now with the Lord, free from suffering, and would be reunited with loved ones in the afterlife. While I share the belief in this reunion, the concept of joy upon a loved one’s death was not something I could readily embrace. It wasn’t my immediate response when comforting someone in grief.

From a believer’s standpoint, I’ve felt relief when those I love have passed because it reaffirms my hope of seeing them again. There have been loved ones whose salvation status remained uncertain to me, either due to different faiths, no faith at all, or lifestyles that left me hoping for a last-minute conversion. However, joy was not part of the equation. It was a complex mix of peace, relief, and hope.

The final message that resonated deeply with me was delivered by another speaker, urging us to reach out to our loved ones now because tomorrow is never guaranteed. It served as a stark reminder that I, like many, have people I love but have failed to connect with. I often think about them but don’t take the time to reach out. It’s a shortcoming I acknowledge.

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.com

This wake-up call was made more poignant by the fact that the decedent was younger than me. It’s a stark reminder that tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Living in the present and cherishing the people around us became an urgent priority in my heart.

While our original intentions for October were to discuss other important topics, I felt compelled to share this message. Funerals are not just about mourning the departed; they are an opportunity for reflection, growth, and the reevaluation of our own lives. In the face of loss, we can find strength and perspective that can lead us to live more intentionally and love more deeply.

In the end, it is our experiences, both joyful and sorrowful, that shape us into better, more compassionate individuals. So, let us remember to embrace the now, cherish our loved ones, and find solace in the hope of reunions in the afterlife, for it is in these moments that we truly understand the depth of our humanity and the power of our faith.