Episode #13: Milestones & Anniversaries

This week’s episode falls near several important milestone dates related to the loss of my mom: Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and the anniversary of her passing on June 4. As milestones and anniversaries loom year after year, it sometimes feels like no time at all has passed – even years or decades after we have lost a loved one!

After participating in a live group Zoom with David Kessler ahead of Mother’s Day, I knew I wanted to share some learnings and great takeaways for these dates that are just hard. This is totally normal and expected, and though everyone processes in a different ways, you are not alone!

As I explore the feelings that these dates bring up, I give my own checklist of things that may help to navigate milestone dates like holidays and birthdays:
1. Breathe
2. Move your body
3. Be direct if there is something that you need
4. Honor your loved one
5. Let the day be the day

References in this episode:

The Book ‘Finding Meaning’, by David Kessler. https://grief.com/sixth-stage-of-grief/

The five stages of Grief, according to the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross model: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. These do not happen in any sort of order!

Mel Robbins episode about finding the space in your body to send breath. “The Toolkit for Healing Anxiety, Part 1”: https://www.melrobbins.com/podcasts/episode-56 

The book 'The Five Invitations' by Frank Ostaseski

If you have a topic or guest idea – or would love to share how you found out about this podcast -- I’d love to hear from you! To reach me, send me an email: val@thissidepodcast.com, or find me at “This Side of the Grass” on Facebook OR Instagram! 

#episode13 #milestones #anniversaries #DavidKessler #justbreathe 
#thisside #thissideofthegrass #thissidepodcast
#death #dying #grief #life #hope #passion #purpose #preparation
#devinefoxproductions

Proudly recorded and produced by DevineFox Productions!