Grieving Amongst the Joy

December…the end of another year. A time of reflection on the past 11 months, that is filled with so many feelings. Happiness for the joyful memories, relief that the hardest moments are over, shock of how fast the year went by, and sadness of all that was lost: time, opportunities, and loved ones. 

The holiday season is a blend of joy and sadness…for everyone, including me. I’m spotlighting grief this month because it’s a feeling we all experience but so seldom share.

I tremendously hesitated writing about this topic so soon after the launch of the new website, because it’s a heavy one…

But I still have one more important person to thank for believing in this venture…My Auntie Janis.💜 We were very close. In relationship and looks; she was SO proud of me but was unexpectedly called Home too soon. 

December is the anniversary of her passing and the sadness comes every year. Mostly because I miss the really fun times, and because I wasn’t able to see her in the end due to my kidney condition. The pandemic was challenging for the immunocompromised, and brought on a lot of sadness for many. 

Even if you have never been to a funeral, you may be grieving a time in your life you wish you could go back to. A different road you wish you took. You may feel lonely and longing for what could have been…The holiday season can feel like a constant reminder of life being what we never thought it would be.

So amongst all the joy December brings, I’m empowering you to share your time and find some joy amongst the darkness. A lot can change in a year, and the time left becomes less and less as each year passes. Time is something we don’t get back so lets make the moments joyful. 

For this year’s anniversary, I am not going to the cemetery. My family is going to a candlelight carol and hymn service at an old church by the sea. The old church has no heat, and the work schedule that day is going to make it a rush to get there on time, but… it will be time well spent, and a reminder that life is all in God’s plan. 

If you are not religious and become sad, look at the Christmas lights and candles lit. May they inspire you to remember: Light trumps darkness. Every. Single. Time. 

I’m journeying right alongside you. I hope together we can inspire, connect, and empower one another to find time to feel joy this season. 

If you ever feel stuck, remember this quote: 

Namaste and lots of love! 🤟🏻