In less than two months, I’ll turn 65; a sobering fact. As I look back over my life from this vantage point, I can clearly see how loss, and the grief it provoked, has shaped many of the choices I made. Loss came in all forms: the loss of innocence due to childhood sexual abuse, the end of a career, ill health, divorce, the end of friendships and, of course, death. Chances are good, if you’re a Boomer too, you’ve also experienced a significant amount of loss in your life. And, if you’re like me; … [Read more...] about How to Cope with Grief and Loss
mental health
The Benefits of Laughter & Why It’s Good for Your Soul
Just a few days ago, it was April fool’s Day – one of my least favorite holidays (I don’t like being pranked; I think it’s rather rude). But that doesn’t mean I don’t have a sense of humor. In truth, I love a good laugh. Not only does it feel good, laughter also provides a myriad of different health benefits, including those that are physical, emotional, and spiritual. That’s why it’s vitally important that we recognize the healing power that laughter can have on us. Since we happen to be in … [Read more...] about The Benefits of Laughter & Why It’s Good for Your Soul
Preventing Caregiver Burnout: 6 Self-Care Tips for Caregivers
Without a doubt, human beings become aware of the concept of ‘death’ fairly early in childhood – unless adult family members choose to shield them from what they feel is a harsh reality. Still, kids are curious, and usually find dead things fascinating. They may be ill-equipped to understand death’s implications, but they learn what it looks like while still fairly young. It could be a dead bird lying in the front yard, killed when hitting a window; or the body of a neighbor’s dog or cat, killed … [Read more...] about Preventing Caregiver Burnout: 6 Self-Care Tips for Caregivers
Acknowledging a Death Anniversary: A Few Ideas
I’ve been thinking and writing about death anniversaries for years. Most recently it was “Twelve Ways to Celebrate a Loved One’s Death Anniversary.” This time around, I’d like to explore questions related to the realization the need to acknowledge the date of a loved one’s death naturally fades over time. Sadly, when we fail to remember ‘the big day’ a few years down life’s road, we’re saddened and feel a measure of guilt on top of the sorrow. Here’s what I think happens: as time passes we … [Read more...] about Acknowledging a Death Anniversary: A Few Ideas
Urns & Jewelry for February Birthday: Birthstones & Pisces Astrology Signs
This week we’re looking at the second of the astrology signs Pisces. Often represented as two fish, swimming in opposite directions, Pisces is (rather obviously) a water sign. According to reputable sources (see below); the opposing directions of the fish “represent the duality within the nature of the sign itself. People born under the sign (February 19th to March 20th) are ruled by the planet Neptune. The Pisces Personality I’ve only intimately known one Pisces in my life: my mother, … [Read more...] about Urns & Jewelry for February Birthday: Birthstones & Pisces Astrology Signs