A Time of Healing

December 31st, 2011
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As 2011 draws to a close and a New Year is almost here, you might be trying to figure out how you are supposed to face the future without a loved one who recently died.

Longtime grief counselor and educator Dr. Alan Wolfelt of Fort Collins, Colo., advises story-writing and storytelling to help the healing process.  “Tell the story of death and you begin to acknowledge it,” Wolfelt writes.  “Tell it 10 times and you begin to let it enter your heart.  Tell it over and over and you find it becoming part of who you are.”

And from that … Read More

Mommy Doesn’t Shave Her Face

December 29th, 2011
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I was shopping the other day at the local drugstore for Christmas stocking stuffers for my son and browsing among all the different shower gels being sold for men.  I was trying to figure out which one my son would use when my eyes traveled over to the section displaying men’s razors. Ahhh..men’s razors.  I was reminded of a period of time right after my husband died.  My son was 13 years old and in the eighth grade.  A tricky time under the best of circumstances.  He had grown some stubble on his face but I didn’t think it was… Read More

Quiet & Solitude

December 28th, 2011
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Give your mind a rest.  Just as your body needs sleep for renewal and optimal health, your mind needs periods of quiet and solitude. A quiet mind reveals important things about your life, changes you may need to make to create a healthier and richer lifestyle. Inner information such as this cannot break through constant mental chatter.  A period of solitude “recharges” the brain and the body. —     By Elliot Dacher, MD, & author of Whole Healing: A Step-by-Step                                                   Program to Reclaim Your Power To Heal… Read More

Christmas Sighting Of A Loved One

December 26th, 2011
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In the hustle and bustle of eating, talking and being with my wonderful family yesterday on Christmas Day, I received a unexpected present that I think others who have lost loved ones will be able to identify with.  Maybe this has happened to you but you didn’t tell anyone else about it because you figured they would give you that look that says, “Okayyyyy. Rigghhhttttt.” My son and I were at my parents house and all of my siblings, nieces, nephews were gathered to celebrate Christmas.  There was lots of activity — electronic and human — and everyone was enjoying… Read More

Five Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Six Hundred Minutes

December 23rd, 2011
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Happy Birthday Cry, Laugh Heal!  Yup.  It has actually been one whole year since Cry, Laugh Heal was launched as a blog and I really can’t believe it. How would I measure my first year of blogging? In friendship, in kindness, and in support. That’s what blogging has meant to me.  It has opened up a new world of connecting with others on an emotional level and also has given me new resources for information and that is exhilarating.   Along with my son’s help, I pushed myself to learn something new and I am so glad that I did.   … Read More

Holiday Mental Health

December 22nd, 2011
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New York Daily News Photo The holidays are all around us and sometimes it feels as though the songs, the decorations and even the food are reminders of the beloved people we lost. This time of year can be especially difficult for those of us in search of a place of peace.  We quietly ache for the presence of a particular person we loved and grieve for while we also try to live in this season of celebration. If you feel as though you are at that point of bearing too much, it’s okay to take a break from your… Read More

Walking In A Winter Wonderland

December 15th, 2011
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Songs can be powerful time machines.  Sometimes all it takes is hearing the first few notes or strands of a melody and YOU ARE THERE. It is amazing to me how a song has the uncanny ability to mentally fast track you to a place you haven’t thought about in years. Recently, I was driving my car home in the oh so unpleasant nightly commute of bumper to bumper traffic on Connecticut Avenue. I found myself pushing the radio buttons over and over because there were so many commercials playing and I was getting annoyed.  Yada, yada, yada. I was… Read More

Handling Those Nasty Negatives

December 12th, 2011
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Like the weather, feelings are unpredictable.  Sadness and anger come and go.  So do joy and excitement. The most sensible approach to handling such feelings is to accept them…and continue doing what you need to do. ~ David K. Reynolds, A Handbook For Constructive Living… Read More

Holiday Tips For Families

December 10th, 2011
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I say perfect timing to a story that was published in The Washington Post this week!  I thought it was soooo timely and helpful that I wanted to share with you: Michael Hershon/For The Washington Post   Holiday advice for families By Janice D’Arcy/The Washington Post Published: December 7, 2011 Celebrating the holidays with children can be magical, sometimes. Other times, it can be a season of migraine-inducing family problems. We asked a few experts to sort out some of the most vexing, such as navigating expectations, handling family drama, teaching children gratitude and figuring out how to explain Santa.… Read More