Collective Grief is the intense feelings of loss that an entire group of people feel after a tragedy. It most commonly arises during violent acts, natural disasters, or loss of major public figures. Collective Grief can feel SO heavy, but it also has the power to foster unity and solidarity.

This is the first year that my best friend has been on our ofrenda, and to be honest, it hurts a little every time I look at it, but I love being able to honor him. 💛 #ofrenda #diadelosmuertos #grief #griefjourney

As I pick my babies up from school and squeeze them tight, all I can feel is a deep sadness for the parents who aren’t. Who are still in disbelief that their child is gone. This wasn’t even their first full week of school... the collective grief across this country is a lot to bear.

Aubrey Plaza’s comments on grief were so raw and real. Can you relate? #grief

This is such a powerful conversation on grief and death and processing what we go through when we lose someone. It's important that we have these conversations (when we are ready) with those around us or a counselor if need be. You don't have to go through this alone. 💛

I found this poem about grief & loss in my grandma's Bible that my grandpa got her as a Christmas gift in 1959. I read it and got a little teary eyed, what a great thought for those we have loved & lost. (1/2)

As I get my kids stuff ready for the new school year, I want to acknowledge the grieving parents out there. I know there are those of you who would give anything to be buying school supplies and making those last minute mad dashes out the door. We see you & we love you. 💚

In these unprecedented times, it’s important to stay informed AND it is important that we remember to stay human and find those sparks of hope, joy, and beauty where we can. 💚

My grandparents were always HUGE LGBTQIA+ advocates and they LOVED rainbows. I would like to think they were cheering on my son and I while we played basketball together today. #grief #griefjourney #love #basketball

Today is rough. Just know that you aren’t alone and your feelings are valid. Stay informed, but takes breaks as needed. We got this if we work together.

I don't know about you, but the world has felt very heavy. Please stay informed, but also take some breaks, we were not built to consume 24/7 doom and gloom.

Today feels like a good day to talk about Collective Grief. Collective Grief is when there is large scale disaster or traumatic event and, even if we are not directly apart of it, we may struggle with some of the symptoms of grief like deep sadness, crying, anger or lack of control.

My grandma (who died in July) was not much of a cook. I didn’t get many handed down family recipes from her, but my favorite thing she made my brother & I were tortilla pizzas and her own special trail mix. Sometimes making those foods makes me feel close to her again. 💛

These climate disasters are intense all across America. Please make sure to take care of your physical AND mental health through this! Stay safe everyone. 💛

It’s ok to feel sick over the state of things.

The last book my grandma was reading before she died was one I let her borrow. It has a note in it of pages she wanted to talk about. I have tried to pick it up multiple times now, but I have cried every time. I’m going to give it another go now as I have been craving connecting with her.

Let’s talk about types of grief, first up General Grief. Whether it’s the death of someone you love, the loss of a job, friendship breakup, etc. we all experience grief at some point in our life. Grief can manifest as sadness, anger, loneliness, & other emotions, but really at its core, it is love.

Some soft goals to start in 2025: -prioritize self care & rest -drink more water -read more books (extra points for non-fiction) -spend time with people who bring you up -get outside more -move your body in a way that feels good for you -find what brings you joy and do more of that

Friendly reminder: most people don’t fully recover from grief. You learn to cope with it & it becomes apart of you. My best friend died 17 years ago & I still pick up the phone to call him when something happens. Grief is not a 5 step recovery process, it is a roller coaster with peaks & valleys.

“If you find your imagination cannot stop itself from churning out the scripts of the Death Machines, pull its plug. Dismantle it. Reprogram it. Dream Daylight. Manufacture Daylight. We are the magicians. Make Magic.” -Krista Franklin

“Hope and Grief can coexist and if we wish to transform the world, we must learn to hold both simultaneously” - Mariame Kaba & Kelly Hayes (“Let This Radicalize You”) Such an important concept in todays world.

‘Grief doesn’t bend’: professional big mountain skier Hadley Hammer on moving forward past loss

We live in a time of ongoing grief. We are seeing more, engaging more, hurting more. That grief you're feeling about the climate, Gaza, elections? It's real, and it deserves your attention.

2025 Resolution: build a support network (friends/family/professionals), find a mental health therapist or coach, prioritize rest & self care, make notes in your phone to look at when you are struggling with ways to help yourself & feel free to join our Patreon for additional resources & support.

As a grief counselor by trade, I want you to give yourself permission to feel any and all emotions that may come during this time of year: sadness, peace, anger, guilt, joy, disappointment. I know it can be a lot, but they are all real and they are all valid. Feel them and let it go.

Word of the Day is one I keep posting at the end of the year, hoping its time will come. ‘Respair’, from the 16th century, is fresh hope, and a recovery from despair. Here’s to a few drops of respair in 2025.

As everyone is out here making (sometimes intense) New Year's resolution know that it's okay to make realistic goals and change them as needed too. If you are grieving, it's even more important that we don't add too much unnecessary stress on our plates. Let's walk into 2025 nice and easy.