Grief at the Holidays

It's been a long time since I was dealing with fresh grief at the holidays. But here I am again.

I knew this Christmas would be difficult after losing my mom a few months ago. I thought I was ready, but are we ever really ready for the way the memories wash over us? The way they surprise us even when we're expecting them? {Tweet this}

I was feeling energetic when I made the spontaneous decision to put up our Christmas tree before Thanksgiving. I already had garland hung around the house and was looking forward to the tree lights lighting up the room.

By the time we finished I was no longer energetic. I was exhausted, mostly from the emotions and tears. I know it's important to let myself cry when I need to, but I don't want to get stuck there.

So, through the hurricane of emotions there are a few things I'm reminding myself of. Perhaps they might be helpful for you too.

- Let yourself remember.

- Let yourself feel and cry when you need to.

- Take it all to God. Ask for His comfort, guidance, and peace.

- Everyone's grief looks different. It hits at different moments, with different memories, and for different lengths of time. No one's grief is right or wrong and shouldn't be compared to someone else's. {Tweet this}

- Try not to get stuck in the past and look toward the future, even if you can't see what that looks like.

I know the good memories are a blessing, even if they bring tears. And I'm realizing that the more difficult memories have a purpose too. They help me heal and they help me process life, allowing me to see where I've been and where I am now.

And maybe that's something God wants to show me.

Friends, as you may have noticed, I haven't been posting here regularly and it's made me realize admit that I need some time. So, I've decided to take some time off from blogging and plan to return after the New Year around mid-January. I will also be spending less time on social media through the holidays.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas,
Laura

[Photo credit: Unsplash.com]

Linking up with: Purposeful Faith, #TeaAndWord, #GracefullTuesday, Trekking Thru, #TellHisStory, #RechargeWednesday, #porchstories, Let’s Have Coffee, Moments of Hope, #HeartEncouragement, #DestinationInspiration, #TuneInThursday, #FreshMarketFriday, Faith ‘n Friends, #FaithonFire, Grace & Truth, #BVNetworkParty