Grief has seasons too.
As we are approaching fall, we are witnessing changes in many forms. There have been days when we have needed a jacket or had to grab our umbrella even. A few of our trees are changing colors and those leaves are falling. The school zone signs have been flashing during school hours due to children being well into the new school year. Coffee shops are enticing us with some favorite fall taste including pumpkin spice.
Everything has seasons. The weather may be the easiest and most discussed.
Some seasons that are harder to discuss are our financial seasons. We might have years or decades where there could be more of a financial stress and struggle (winter) and other times where we are flourishing personally (spring).
Grief also has its seasons. Sometimes grief seems to match the weather outside but that is typically just coincidental. Grief has its own season, and it is very personal to each individual.
The seasons of grief can also be very complicated. It varies on what loss you are dealing with, how much time you have set and mourned, how much support you have had, how safe it is to do the grief work…
What season of grief are you in?
I can appreciate grief is not a very comfortable topic to discuss with yourself or with others. I also can appreciate that having truth, knowledge and information does give you comfort. Having facts can give you a starting point on where you are at in the grief work and what support you need.
One thing to consider about understanding grief seasons if you are reading this and it makes you mad and you don’t care about any of the facts or seasons then very much guaranteed you’re in winter. And that’s OK. It’s OK and it serves you to be angry and feel the emotions that seem ugly to yourself or other people. Emotions (even those considered “bad”) are very important to feel and let them move through you and out of you.
If you are reading this and you’re able to comprehend and feel like you could do a little work around it then maybe you are in fall or spring and you’re ready to explore a little bit because the grief doesn’t feel as heavy right now. You don’t have to do this alone you can ask a professional in your spiritual world or a friend if they’re able to help you with any sorting out that you have.
Remember, you are the expert of your own needs and grief. You really just need a safe space for somebody to hold for you while you sorted out.
As the seasons change in the Midwest (and other areas where there are 4 completely different temperatures and environments during the year) you wear appropriate clothing. Please take time to consider as your grief changes what needs to change around you to provide you safety and comfort.
Sending you peace and love, Joy
