So now we have agreed that giving ourselves permission to grief, where do we turn to begin to move forward with it? Grief is as universal (we will all experience grief) as it is unique, therefore facing it relies on both self-care and connection to others. The journey is about identifying the programs, activities, expressions, and tools that work best for you! Whichever you choose to build your toolbox, just remember its important to communicate and express your grief, to find belonging amongst others along the way.
Here are my favorite books:
1) Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER. Broken Open is an inspiring guide to healing and growth illuminates the richness and potential of every life, even in the face of loss and adversity.
2) I Am More than Me by Jocelyn Nelson
I Am More Than Me: A Self-Help Junkie’s Journal To Surrender was intentionally formatted as a journal to encourage the readers to further develop their inner work and experience the power of healing that can be derived from scribing from their own heart.
3) A Healing Place: Help your Child Find Hope and Happiness After the Death of a Loved One
A Healing Place provides real-world advice for caregivers of grieving children from the founder of the nationally acclaimed, non-profit organization Kate's Club. (Yours Truly)
Here are my favorite websites:
1) ModernLoss.com - A place for conversation and a collection of stories ab
Modern Loss is a place to share the unspeakably taboo, unbelievably hilarious, and unexpectedly beautiful terrain of navigating your life after a death. Beginners welcome.
2) Grief.com Hosted by David Kessler
Helping Others Heal From Grief. This site is filled with Videos, Books, Workshops to serve families, friends, and professionals.
3) GriefShare.org - A place to find a group to help move through your grief.
GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences.
Here are some great resources for kids:
1) KatesClub.org - Kate's Club located in Atlanta, Georgia
Kate's Club provides direct services and outreach to children and teens who have experienced the death of a loved one.
2) Dougy.org - Dougy Center located in Portland, Oregon
One of the oldest centers in the US for grieving children and families, Dougy Center is an international service leader in childhood grief. Their website provides online resources such as books, activities, and articles to help guide children through the grieving experience.
3) ChildrenGrieve.org - National Alliance for Grieving Children
A network for nationwide communication between hundreds of children's bereavement support professionals and volunteers who want to share ideas, information and resources with each other to better support the families they serve in their own communities.
Here are some great Talks: