Thank you, Santa! Christmas came early at our house, and we got just what we wanted: a big stack of books (via bookshop.org, which supports local, independent bookstores)! I can’t wait to get started. 📚
Buying their work if you can is a great way to support the content creators you love. No more time to post; I have reading to do! I hope Santa brings you books, too!
it's ok if you don't know what to say
boundaries for a better holiday (and life!)
wishing you love and light
what is toxic positivity?
I’m reposting this insightful article about toxic positivity from author Catherine Renton. (It was published in British Vogue and then Elle USA. Read both for a fuller exploration of the topic. The reader/writer/journalist in me loves the slight language differences from one piece to the other.)
”How many times have you told someone ‘it could be worse’ this year? Next time, perhaps don’t. According to the experts, refusing to countenance anything but optimism – coupled with an endless stream of #GoodVibesOnly posts on social media – is all part of a culture of toxic positivity that can be damaging, rather than comforting. As one psychologist puts it, ‘the pressure to “be positive” during a crisis invalidates a person’s emotions,’ even though those emotions might be entirely appropriate. (Read on) for more on the rise of toxic positivity, and how to know if you’re spreading it.” — British Vogue via Instagram
new: game awards super mario music medley!
companioning: walk alongside
compassionate friends remember children lost
companioning is about bearing witness
celebrate human rights day!
film goes inside suicide prevention community
Look for The S Word on Amazon Prime video.
honor the spirit; listen with the heart
expanding my mariowear collection
hayden hurst's second chance
Quick links to the short film and the article.
physical distance, not social distance
My dear friend and I went to our local Indie Craft Parade Mini Market today. It was so nice to do something that felt almost normal (even though we drove separately, were in masks, and the market was outside). It’s in the 50s and sunny; could not have been more perfect. Connecting with people you love is more important than ever right now. Physical distance, not social distance!
so much changed and you'll be okay
companioning: don't fix, just be
Here’s another of Dr. Alan D. Wolfelt’s Tenets of Companioning the Bereaved. This one gives me such comfort — both that it’s possible not to be alone in the wilderness of the soul, and that when you find yourself there with someone, your responsibility to them is just to be, not to fix.
Visit centerforloss.com for more resources for your own grief or to support someone else in theirs.
tenets of companioning the bereaved
“Grief is not an illness; it is the natural and necessary sequel to love. Unlike the medical model of grief care, the companioning model does not seek to treat or cure but rather bear witness, learn, and accompany. Grievers are the experts of their own experience. Companions offer a safe space, an open heart, affirmation, and hope.”
‘The holidays’ can be a rough and painful season for anyone grieving a loss. It’s likely all of us know someone in mourning and want to make things better for them. News flash: probably not possible.
But I do have a resource for you! Dr. Alan D. Wolfelt of the Center For Loss and Life Transition offers “Tenets of Companioning the Bereaved.” Pictured is the first one. I thought they were so helpful, I ordered a poster so I could share them with you.
