progress
Grief looks different for everyone, and the process isn't linear. We take two steps forward and one step back. And the progress made today may seem to disappear tomorrow. But have hope: progress is still happening, no matter how seemingly slight. The circular nature of grief -- the spiral upward, then downward, then upward again -- is normal. Remember, too, that loss is loss. The sudden death of a loved one. The end of a marriage. A debilitating illness. A dream shattered. A
my journey with grief
I am writing this in May of 2014. Less than a month ago, I lost my oldest living brother to suicide. It’s important for me to say it. To write it. It’s important for me not to be ashamed. Because I’m a mental health professional. I spent years studying and practicing. I work with precious clients every single day, many of whom have expressed a desire to end their lives. So you can see why I might feel ashamed that I could not save my own brother. His name was Paul, and he was
happiness vs. well-being
Sometimes I think we place too much emphasis on "happiness". What does it mean to be happy, really? The Merriam-Webster definition of 'happy' is "feeling pleasure and enjoyment because of your life". Hmmm. Are we really spending our time, energy, and money on a feeling that's transitory, nearly impossible to sustain? What makes you or me happy, anyway? Think about that for a moment. Is it a paycheck? A satisfying sexual experience? A delicious meal? Achieving a goal? Our chil