Hearts Held Well:
Grief and Healing with Robin Held
Grief has a way of isolating us, doesn’t it? In the midst of loss, it can feel as though the world carries on while your own has come to a screeching halt. If you’ve ever wished for someone to truly see your pain without rushing to fix it, then you’re not alone.
In my years of working with griev...
Deciding that you want and deserve grief support is a powerful step forward on your healing journey. It’s an act of self-compassion and courage. But where do you begin? When grief feels overwhelming, figuring out your next steps can be challenging. Let’s break it down into meaningful, manageable act...
When grieving the loss of a loved one, especially a spouse or partner, many people find themselves wrestling with a painful question: If I heal, does that mean I’m betraying them?
This fear, born from the depths of love and loyalty, is deeply human—and heartbreaking. Yet, the idea that seeking p...
It’s often said that “time heals all wounds.” But if you’ve been on a grief journey, you might already know the truth: time alone will not heal heartbreak. Healing requires action—deliberate steps taken over time to nurture and support yourself through loss.
Grief is deeply personal, and no two ...
You might be surprised by the factors that could be holding you back from seeking grief support. Let’s explore some common barriers to starting your healing journey. Do any of these resonate with you?
1. Stigma and Shame
Cultural or personal beliefs about seeking help for emotional issues can c...
Grieving is one of life’s most profound experiences. It’s raw, unpredictable, and deeply personal. But how do you know when you’re ready to seek support for your grief?
Deciding to pursue grief support is a courageous step, and there are many indicators that it might be time. If any of the followin...
In the world of grief, well-meaning advice often comes in the form of familiar phrases that are supposed to make us feel better. One of the most persistent and challenging beliefs is this: Replace the loss.
This idea can manifest in various ways, depending on the situation and how we choose to cope...
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 and stabilize those a...
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 advice—offered with good intentions...
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 beliefs may have be...
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, highlighting...
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 be uncomfortab...