I passed by the chips aisle twice already trying to avoid the temptation. But I knew I was seeking that crunchy sound and salty taste. Today found me vulnerable to my “comfort foods.” I wanted to choose NOT to eat them, but some days it is harder. Diet coke is another big trigger food with a psychological hold on… Read More
Don’t Rush to the Bright Side
Recently at a Kohl’s department store, the sales clerk finalized my transaction and added a cheesy “You saved $26!” Laughing, I said, “You guys crack me up when you say that. The reality is I spent $49.” He replied, “But we like to look on the bright side!” I said, more seriously, “It’s a gimmick. You always have sales. I… Read More
Stephen Colbert’s Loving Tribute to His Mother
I have long respected Stephen Colbert’s perspective on grief. In earlier interviews, Colbert has shared insightful thoughts on grieving. Here is one example: “The interesting thing about grief, I think, is that it is its own size. It is not the size of you. It is its own size. And grief comes to you. You know what I mean? I’ve… Read More
My Daughter’s Grief and a Box of Sticks
A beautiful pine tree, slowly dying, stood in our front yard. Realizing we would lose the tree brought sadness. My daughters enjoyed sitting on its low branches, especially when watching for their grandparents to arrive. It was their waiting place. My eight-year-old daughter knew that the tree was going to be cut down. Still, when the day came, it… Read More
Is my Grandma’s grieving normal?
A student from class, Mary, came into my office and sat in an orange over-stuffed chair. We talked about a paper assignment. Then, hesitantly, she asked a question that probably brought her there in the first place. She tells about her grandparents. They had been married over 50 years, and just recently her grandfather died. Her grandmother is grieving deeply. … Read More
Three ways to declutter your emotions.
All too frequently I am shoving something in a cupboard only to have trouble closing the door. I buy groceries and not everything fits on the shelves. I try to put shampoo bottles in the bathroom cabinet and other things fall over. “This is ridiculous,” I say to myself. It is ridiculous because I know there should be plenty of… Read More
The Write Way to Heal
I write a lot. Some of it ends up here, but most of it doesn’t. Some of it ends up in books, but most of it stays with me. No matter, the writing is usually therapeutic. For healing, it is the process of writing that is most important. Many people have turned to journaling or writing poetry, prose or other… Read More
TEDx Talk – Beyond Closure
When we enter a space of grief, what do we need to do to return to a space of joy? Do we need closure? These are two of the questions I explore in a talk for TEDxDesMoines. I invite you to watch and share your own thoughts on how we can carry joy and grief together. Beyond Closure – The… Read More
