Have You Heard of the Expression, "Oh, Good Grief!"

Normally I try to talk about topics that will help you smile about aging and give you information that leads you in the right direction as we start to notice those grey hairs. Sometimes I write about things that will even make you laugh about the whole process. Goodness knows, we need laughter these days, don’t we?! This time I want to show you a pathway to finding help with grief. Unfortunately, that too comes along with the aging process.

 Have you heard the expression, “Oh, good grief”?

Sure, you have. However, if you think about it, it is almost a contradiction in terms.  Grief can hardly be labeled as good, after all. Grief by itself is an extreme feeling of sorrow, sadness, anguish, loss. Normally it is applied to the death of a loved one, but it can also be applied to the loss of wedding ring, a special gift or precious pet. True grief can sometimes feel insurmountable, as if your world is collapsing in on itself and there is nowhere to find relief. 

Today I want to help you find relief from grief.

At some point in our lives, we will all face it in some form.  Unfortunately, for the most part, most of us have no idea how to handle it. Where do we go for help when we can barely put two sentences together or get dressed or remember what day it is?

I have recently been introduced to a program called Grief Share (www.griefshare.org). It is available in numerous locations around the country, indeed, around the world. Grief is not selective to a person, a country or gender, is it? It is universal.

Grief Share is an organization that brings folks together when they find themselves experiencing grief over the death of a loved one and don’t know where to turn to handle it. Even if you have family, even if you have friends, sometimes you need to express your feelings without worrying about others. This group can supply that place where it is ok to talk about how “broken” you are, how sad you feel. 

In this meeting, you gather as a group, watch videos, talk if you want or don’t, come away with resources, articles and most likely, with friends who “get it”. It meets about once a week for 3 months or so. You can attend as you want to, but I strongly recommend you go each time for a continuum of care and understanding.

For my local readers as well as my out-of-town readers, the website (www.griefshare.org) will provide chapters near you. Various days and times are offered.

If you are experiencing grief over the loss of a loved one, do it for yourself. Bring a family member or a friend if you want. Or go alone. I promise you will find comfort, relief, empathy. By the way they provide the tissues. Best of luck and my deepest condolences.

Happy Aging, 

Sue