by Christi Neville, LPC As our year draws to a close, the holidays can be very bittersweet for families coping with loss. Although many grieving families’ holidays will never be quite the same, and it will take time and tenderness with ourselves to adjust, our pain does not have to define the entire holiday experience. […]
The Season of Light Read More »
by Christi Neville, LPC 1. Connection is the Key Healing is relational, and tends to unfold when we feel connected with ourselves, with others, and with our loved one who died. Letting this central concept guide our holiday planning will help bring a little more “peace on earth”. 2. Make a Plan A (foresight) Loss gives
Ten Touchstones for Holiday Grief Read More »
Easter with my girls has always been a colorful family affair. The Easter Bunny would come while I was out with the girls and hide baskets of goodies all over the house and yard. The day I discovered cascarones made for the best Easter hunts of all. Those delicate shells filled with confetti of all
Journaling prompt: Thinking about our loved ones on Easter Read More »
Last Sunday, over 300 friends of The Christi Center gathered for our Annual Candlelight Remembrance Service. We host this event each year to give families a chance to come together during the busy (and often, difficult) holiday season to remember and honor lost loved ones. We hang photos of loved ones on our 20-ft tall
"Tidings of Comfort and Hope": What Brings You Comfort and Hope? Read More »
Does your family have a special recipe that has been passed down, or a story that goes along with a recipe? Family recipes can make great traditions and also remind us of our loved ones. Here are a few favorites from Christi Center clients and friends – and if you have any to share, please
Tidings of Comfort and Hope: Family Recipes Read More »
The rush of activities associated with the holidays that is normally so festive can become completely overwhelming when you are grieving the loss of a loved one. We grieve not only the person we love who has died, but the life we lived with them. This includes physical space and companionship, but also important moments
Tidings of Comfort and Hope: Take Time for Quiet Reflection Read More »
Wondering what sort of family traditions – holiday and otherwise – that some of your friends and family have? I asked Christi Center members, friends, and family to share their traditions with me. Many of these traditions pay tribute to loved ones, and some traditions were in fact created to pay tribute to loved ones.
Tidings of Comfort and Hope: Family Traditions Honoring Loved Ones Read More »
Perform a Random Act of Kindness, in honor of your loved one! We would love to know what Random Act of Kindness you did, and how it honors your loved one. Here is a list of resources and ideas: The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation – Inspiring people to practice kindness and pass it on
Tidings of Comfort and Hope: Random Acts of Kindness Read More »
Have you ever noticed hearts in nature? Why would stones, leaves, and other natural things occur in heart shapes? I don’t have a scientific answer, but I feel like mother nature herself is trying to support me by showing me that even in nature, love exists. What do you think? Here at the Christi Center,
Tidings of Comfort and Hope: Hearts in Nature Read More »
(written by Marty Tousley and originally posted on her blog, Grief Healing.) Depending upon where you are in your grief journey, at some point you may feel the need to channel your pain, as well as the time and energy once devoted to your relationship with your loved one, into something productive and meaningful ~
Tidings of Comfort and Hope: Healing Grief through Giving Back Read More »
