As the clocks change and we are once again in a new month, somehow grief doesn’t change with the calendar.  But what does change is the idea that the holidays are creeping closer and that can bring fear, sadness and intense grief.  If you check the Events page please note there are two (actually three - one in December) opportunities to come together with others dealing with grief and the upcoming holiday season, please consider attending either or both.  

The clocks changing can also alter how our bodies feel, because darkness earlier in the day does play a part in our body and this needs to be acknowledged.  When possible, please try to find ways to be in the light of the day. 

Remember, grief is an entire body feeling and weather, light and the time of year all play a part. 

Here is the information for upcoming Grief support events, which are all free and offered by Good Grief Support…

November 4th at 7:00 I am offering a Grief and Christmas information event.  You will learn that you aren’t the only person dreading what is coming next and you can learn how to develop coping tools, learn ideas to help with the feelings that are accompanying your grief as you think about and maybe even dread the upcoming holidays.  Please feel free to come and bring a friend, because we can all benefit from a safe, confidential place to share our concerns, worries and have a positive conversation.  This is a free event and takes place at Tweedsmuir Presbyterian Church at 6 John Street in Orangeville.  Of course, there will be chocolate, because “you can’t do your grief without chocolate!”

On November 22 at 2:00 there will be a Candle Memorial Service at Tweedsmuir for anyone who wishes to take time remembering, sharing and making space for grief and memories before December crashes in.  This is a free event and everyone is welcome to light a candle, bring home a memory stone and be in a safe space…… Chocolate will be offered as well at this event.

December 2nd at 7:00pm I am offering a Holiday/New Year Grief Planning evening. You will discover tools to use to assist with the feelings surrounding a New Year, and all that may entail. This is a free event and everyone is welcome to attend. and as always... there will be chocolate. Location is Tweedsmuir Memorial Presbyterian church, 6 John Street.

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For those living with infant loss I may offer an Infant Loss Grief Support Group in the New Year.  If you are interested in attending, please contact Diane at goodgrief.ontario@gmail.com or text at 519-938-7355.  

Prior to the New Year, there will be an opportunity to come together during the day for a confidential safe space to meet others living with the loss of their Angel Baby. 

Contact Diane if you wish to meet in November for an Infant Loss informal conversation.  519-938-7355 (text) or email at goodgrief.ontario@gmail.com .

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Grief support can take many shapes - books, blogs, podcasts, one-on-one support, talking to friends and same loss support groups.  I am offering Grief Groups once again this fall.  Grief support groups are a very supportive and powerful group of people who come together because they are dealing with something painful and life altering.  How this works… in late October or early November I will be offering a Widow/Widower (spousal loss) Support Group.  We will meet during the day and monthly.  If you are interested, please send an email to goodgrief.ontario@gmail.com or you can text your name to 519-938-7355.  I will meet or speak with all participants prior to the group starting.   

But…. if your loss is something else and support groups interest you, then please send me an email telling me your loss and I will let you know when I am offering a group that may be of interest to you.    

However you find support, please know Grief is challenging, tough and painful, be kind to yourself and go slow.  

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Welcome. This blog is designed to provide insight, ideas and thoughts about dealing with grief, while living your life. Trying to combine living while grieving is not only challenging but some days can be impossible.

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You already know that some days grief just sits quietly while the living aspect of life continues on, with sprinkles of missing your person and sadness appearing but not causing much disruption in the everyday aspect of your life.

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And on those days, the grief feels manageable…. But it is on the other days that this message board will try to provide ideas and thoughts for you. Thank you for being here. I hope you will continue to ‘drop by’ and read how weather, holidays, normal days, special days, odd comments, music, smells and even food can shift your day and change how your grief feels.

While it may seem like the world is starting up again, those dealing with grief are facing the challenge of the newness of September and what it used to mean and how it feels now that life includes grief and loss.  As you look around it feels like everyone has somewhere to go, something to do and the world is moving much faster than it has for the past two to three months.  September is like a new year, the beginning of another season and you continue to be missing someone important.  So, how can we deal with all this movement and newness?  

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Go slow… take half a day at a time, not even one day at a time.  If you can get out of bed and live in the morning, then you have accomplished a lot!  Congratulations.  If you feel up to it, please go outside, sunshine can alter how your entire body feels, and appreciate the outside fresh air - Take a deep breath.  Now, find one thing to enjoy today, just one and make it the focus, it can be very small.  Tomorrow, try that again, one thing that is positive in your day, and please…… Keep Breathing!