34. Heartache & Healing: Nurturing Grief During the Holidays

Honest Women

In this emotionally charged episode of the Honest Women Podcast, the hosts fearlessly dive into the complex tapestry of loss during the holiday season. From the profound grief of death to the heart-wrenching realities of pregnancy loss, divorce, and financial struggles, no stone is left unturned. The hosts shed light on the unique challenges faced during this festive time when the world expects cheerfulness while individuals navigate the depths of sorrow.

However, it's not all shadows and sorrows; the hosts generously share invaluable advice on how to navigate the holiday season amidst loss. They emphasize the power of verbalizing needs, setting boundaries, and extending grace to oneself and others. This episode serves as a beacon of support for those grappling with loss, offering solace and practical guidance.

As the conversation unfolds, the hosts conclude the episode on a poignant note with a heartfelt poem titled 'Light a Candle,' encapsulating the essence of finding hope and healing even in the darkest moments. Tune in for a raw, authentic, and compassionate exploration of loss during the holidays on the Honest Women Podcast.

Listen to Hear More About:

00:00 Introduction to the Holiday Season and Feelings of Loss

02:29 Grief Work and Loss During the Holiday Season

05:10 Personal Examples of Loss During the Holidays

08:26 Other Types of Loss During the Holiday Season

13:37 Challenges of the Holiday Season and Grief

18:38 Dilemmas of the Holiday Season

21:23 Ambushing Moments of Unexpected Sadness

22:17 Supporting Yourself During Loss

25:29 Supporting Others During Loss

29:40 Poem: Light a Candle

30:42 Conclusion

Resources:

This Emotional Life: Getting through the Holidays by Camille Wortman, PhD

What to Say (and What Not to Say) to Someone Who’s Grieving from The New York Times

Poem read by Jessica at the end of the episode:

“Light A Candle” by Paul Alexander

And I will light a candle for you

To shatter all the darkness and bless the times we knew

Like a beacon in the night

The flame will burn bright and guide us on our way

Oh, today I light a candle for you

The seasons come and go, and I’m weary from the change

I keep moving on, you know it’s not the same

And when I’m walking all alone

Do you hear me call your name?

Do you hear me sing the songs we used to sing?

You filled my life with wonder, touched me with surprise

Always saw that something special deep within your eyes

And through the good times and the bad

We carried on with pride

I hold on to the love and life we knew

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Learn more about the Honest Women Podcast: www.honestwomenpodcast.com

Honest Women is the podcast for every woman juggling the demands of modern life (while trying to keep her shit together) and finding that it’s all just a little more difficult than she thought it would be. Your hosts, Andrea Burkly and Jessica Hutchison, are two very real mental health professionals who are taking honest conversations from inside their offices to the outside world.

Disclaimer:

Please note while this podcast features two therapists, and may feel very therapeutic, this is not therapy! Please be entertained, and know that through our creative content, we are not providing mental health care. No diagnosis. No treatment. No medical advice. Just creative content. Please seek appropriate mental health support in the real world.

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