Hearts Held Well:
Grief and Healing with Robin Held
Grief is deeply personal, yet societal and cultural beliefs often shape how we think we should handle it. One of the most common inherited grief beliefs is the idea that we must “be strong for others.” On the surface, this sounds noble—putting aside your own emotions to comfort...
Just Stay Busy (and Other Lies We’ve Loved)
When grief strikes, the world doesn’t stop. Responsibilities, schedules, and expectations remain. In the chaos of heartbreak, the urge to “just stay busy” can feel like the only way to survive. You might have heard this...
As a grief coach, I often help people uncover the roadblocks that prevent them from truly tending to their grief. One of the most common obstacles? Beliefs about grief that we’ve absorbed over time—myths that can slow our healing and make us doubt our own grief journey.
These...
In your grief journey, there is darkness, but there is also healing, and transformation.
This year, as a grief coach, I've witnessed the strength, resilience, and courage of countless people who have embraced their grief journey and emerged with their hearts filled with hope.
Today,...
The winter holiday season can be challenging for people who are grieving. Below are some questions to consider as you care for yourself and tend to your grief during the holiday season.
These questions reflect the common concerns of those who are grieving during the holiday season,...
We live in a grief-averse, grief-illiterate society. People, even your dearest people, mean well and still unintentionally say the most hurtful things to grieving people.
Dealing with well-meaning but hurtful comments during the holidays (and every day) while grieving is an...
When you are grieving, setting and maintaining boundaries during the winter holidays (and always) is crucial for protecting your emotional well-being. Boundary-setting and maintenance take practice: You won’t always have the energy for it; you won’t always get it right; it may forever...
Responding to invitations and social obligations during the winter holidays while you are grieving can be challenging. Your needs and energy level will fluctuate in your grief.
Here’s how you can handle these situations in a way that honors your grief and healing and sets...
The winter holidays are often filled with images of joy, togetherness, and celebration, but for those who are grieving, this time of year can feel particularly isolating and overwhelming. Grief expert David Kessler has identified six fundamental needs of grieving people, primarily focusing on the...
As the winter holidays approach, many people who are grieving find that their pain and sadness feel more intense than usual. This time of year, filled with celebrations, traditions, and expectations of joy, can amplify your feelings of loss in ways that might catch you off guard. Understanding...
In the seasonal transition from fall to winter, and as the winter holidays approach, you might find that your pain and sadness feel more intense than usual. This time of year, filled with celebrations, traditions, togetherness, and expectations of joy, can amplify your feelings of loss in ways...
As the crisp air of fall begins to settle in, the anticipation of the winter holidays can bring with it a wave of anxiety, especially for grieving people. If you’re experiencing this, know that you’re not alone. The holiday season, once filled with joy and togetherness, can now feel...