Hugs For the Holidays

My first attempt at vlogging, because you don't say no to Mama Mary:)  This is part of Hugs For the Holidays, aimed at providing support for anyone grieving their way through this very festive time of year.  It can be so hard, and I love that Mary and Jessica from Four Plus an Angel created this opportunity for us to reach out and "hug" each other this way.

Radio Interview Tonight!

This Week on D-Talks Radio  Alicia King on GRIEF & HEALING DURING THE HOLIDAYS               Alicia King, Author of Healing: The Essential Guide For Helping Others Overcome Grief and Loss, Speaker and leading expert on grief and grief support (aka The Grief Lady) writes and speaks about the dos and don'ts of grief -- what helps someone after a death, and what can unwittingly make it worse.     Alicia joins us to discuss what helps and what hurts when it comes to grief and grief support and what you can do to manage grief during the holidays without guilt or other debilitating emotions.      TUNE IN DECEMBER 13th 6 p.m. PST / 9 p.m. EST        http://dtalksradio.com            ARTICLES & NEWS It's Inevitable (Loss, Grief & Healing) 12-12-2012 20:26:00 PM Here's the thing about death- it happens to everyone.  Here's the thing about grief- someone in your life has grieved before, is grieving now, or will be grieving soon.  So, here's the question- will you be ready when it happens? Will you be there for them, prepared and confident enough to reach out, or will you retreat out of fear of saying/doing the wrong thing? [continue reading]...» SPONSORED BY     Our speakers include renowned authors, advocates, therapists, celebrities and other professionals with extensive knowledge on issues such as domestic violence, bullying, child abuse, teen violence, elder abuse, stalking, net crimes, workplace violence, sexual assault, animal abuse, mental health, addiction, grief & healing and more.     We now have motivational speakers!   Get a FREE QUOTE for your next event! The Elite Speakers Bureau is now hiring callers.  For more information visit  ESB Career Opportunities

TUNE IN     BE SURE TO TUNE IN EVERY WEEK FOR GREAT GUESTS AND INFORMATION!   CLICK HERE for more show and guest information or to listen to one of our On Demand shows

It's Inevitable

Here's the thing about death- it happens to everyone.  Here's the thing about grief- someone in your life has grieved before, is grieving now, or will be grieving soon.  So, here's the question- will you be ready when it happens? Will you be there for them, prepared and confident enough to reach out, or will you retreat out of fear of saying/doing the wrong thing?

This, dear readers, is why HEALING exists.  This is why I speak and write about grief.  We will all lose someone, we all deserve compassion, and we all need each other.

The best way to never get good at something is to push it away and not think, read or talk about it.  It's awkward to go to someone after a death.  I get it!  Worse, though, is watching their pain and never acknowledging their loss.  Grief is one of those situations where you will either make it worse or make it better.  It's that simple.

This brings me to a recent book signing.  (I got to sit beside one of my favorite writers, Myra McLarey, pictured below.) There were about fifteen authors, and we were seated behind tables as people came and discussed our work.  That's my favorite part- meeting new people and hearing their stories.

A woman who manages a large department of a local healthcare company bought a few copies and we spoke a bit about ways to help within the workplace.  Just a week later she contacted me to tell me a co-worker (and good friend) committed suicide. She told me the book had been very helpful.  We remarked on the timing and we talked awhile about this special man who was deeply missed.

Until we find a way to prevent death, let's work on being better at supporting those around us as they grieve.  Learn how to help, what most people find comforting, and what never to say.

We can do it together.

I'm Baaaaaaccckkkkk

Yes, I know.  It's been awhile.  I haven't been gone so much as I've been elsewhere.  As in twitter (@thegrieflady) and facebook.

The important (?) thing is, I'm back now.    Let's catch up, shall we?  Here's just a few of the subjects we've discussed on HEALING's facebook wall-

DNR tattoos.  As in tattooing DO NOT RESUSCITATE on your chest.  Forever.  Just to be sure.

Grief Peeves.  What you wish people knew or would stop saying after a death.

Ways to Help.  Ideas, suggestions, even links to helpful programs like Meal Train.

Relevant Legislation.  Why isn't death of a child included in the FMLA? Who's trying to correct this.

Helpful Sites.  Where readers and I find help, like this favorite site.

Tributes.  Everything from scholarships and trees to the work Erin Runnion is doing in honor of her daughter, Samantha.

We post memorials as we lose both friends and celebrities.  We post pictures of those we have loved, and observe birthdays and other difficult milestones. We share our struggles as well as our triumphs, and support each other along the way.  The only rule, as always- no judgement.

Grief and Healing: What Helps, What Hurts

Grief and Healing: What Helps, What Hurts

I will be working with sand artist Dawn Scott at this event Jan. 17th at 7PM at Epworth United Methodist Church in Franklin, TN. I'll discuss how you can be more confident when reaching out to someone who is grieving. Dawn will speak and perform her remarkable sand art. Have you ever seen this done? Here's a clip of Joe Castillo to give you an idea how it works.

Caris hospice will be participating, and there will be books and CDs available for purchase.

More to come!

SO Excited About This!

Have you had someone close to you die? Were you responsible for handling "the arrangements"? If so, you have my sympathies, truly. It can be a confusing, complicated, exhausting and emotionally torturous process. There are so many different aspects to be addressed, most of which are time-sensitive. You're suddenly charged with dealing with unfamiliar territory- funeral details, obituary, etc., all while grieving.

It's HARD.

Karen Zinn watched as friends went through this, and wondered why there wasn't one website that helped families navigate the after-death ordeal. That's when she began to build what I feel is the best single site to help anyone survive a death. Heart2Soul.

When she asked me to be their grief support expert, I immediately accepted. Other contributors include Letitia Baldridge and Peggy Post!

I think you'll find a wealth of information and support at Heart2Soul, as well as a place to create an online memorial.

Do you love it? Are we missing something? Did you already know about it? Let me know what you think.