Kristie Bennett Grief Recovery Specialist

You may be guilty of saying some of these things. I was... It’s time to speak from our heart not from our head

Grief can hit hard during the holidays. It’s a tough reminder of what we lost. Every year my mom would give me instructions on how to cook a turkey - lol, yes every year. It just seems wrong to cook a turkey without her advice. It’s so important to be honest about how you are feeling. It’s ok and normal to feel sad, mad, or just out of sorts. I encourage you to tell someone you trust and share a favourite memory. Talking and tears are good my friends. Let it out.

Yes! Love this quote

When I lost my mom I did A LOT of walking. This is the only time I felt I could let the tears flow. When I think back to those days - I feel that sadness. It was so painful and so hard for me to express grief in front of others. If you feel like you need a release - go. Grab your coat and hit the trails. The more you let it out, the better you will feel.

I would love my grievers to consider this exercise. I believe that it is important to practice gratitude while grieving. It’s not easy - I know I might be asking for a lot. However, research shows that training your brain to scan for a few positive things in your day will improve mood and decrease sadness. Xoxo

Self-care is extremely important when grieving. Please join me on this journey. You might not feel comfortable with all the strategies at this time amd that’s ok. Take what works

Can you add any to the list?

How do we support a grieving family member or friend? This is a question I get asked quite frequently. I believe the most important thing is avoid making the assumption that you will make them feel worse by bringing up their dead loved one. This is absolutely false - you can’t possibly make them feel worse than they already do. Mention their loved one - speak their name, share memories. I loved it when people shared special memories of my mom, especially things I didn’t know about her. Here are some other tips.

When Covid-19 hit back in March, I subscribed to a free text service from AHS that sent messages to support mental health. It is called Text4Hope. I loved my daily dose of positivity. I learned today that they also have Text4Hope CancerCare and Text4Hope Addiction available for those in need. Please share! How to connect: Text either COVID19HOPE / CancerCare / Open2Change to 393939

Some of these gift ideas are beautiful! Don’t be scared. You can’t hurt a griever more than they do already. These gifts really come from the heart and would be deeply appreciated.

Grief never ends, it just changes. Some days you’re fine, others you’re not. Be ok with that. It’s your journey

Forgiveness is a key part of the grieving and recovery process. It isn’t easy but it might just set you free

Have you recently lost someone you love? I remember how I felt when my mom died 5 years ago - devastated, confused, sick to my stomach, broken, lonely... I want to let you know - if you feel overwhelmed, I’m here. I talk about grief when others can’t. Reach out - find out more.