Love & Loss - memories to create joyful moments

Dearest,

How are you? How are you in this moment? Are your shoulders tense and holding themselves close to your ears? Let them go. Feel them lower - now try and lower them further than feels natural. Do you magically feel taller and stronger?

We have reached the last day of November. a perfect time to jump back into the wonderful memories we've created throughout the year.

It's something I love about scrolling through photo's on my phone and journal entries. Reliving experiences to celebrate and cherish. Being grateful that I've moved through those awkward and uncomfortable times of growth. Understanding that they will come again and they will pass again - exactly like seasons, nothing remains constant.

Our family farewelled an Uncle this week. Beyond the sadness and the loss we were reminded through photos and shared stories his unique journey. This time of year, with holidays approaching, is always a hard time where the loss of someone you love in this physical world is intensified. Joy comes from remembering them and sharing memories.

Dr Lucy Hone has a wonderful book called "Resilient Grieving" (her website with other amazing resources as well as the book https://www.copingwithloss.co/about. It's one of the best reads and wraps you in understanding and permission. Permission to feel those waves of grief that hit out of no where. It's one of those books I think people should read before they need it, one of those books we should be making available to every student in secondary education.

How do you remember loved ones? I describe how we remember our loved ones as a family here. There will be a new pendant this year to hang, with new stories to share.

I hope you tread with kindness throughout December. I hope you are treated with kindness. Spread hope - not gossip. Share joy - not destruction.

Take care dearest - of yourself, of others, of your thoughts, of your actions and of our wonderful world.

Your are worthy - always

Ngā manaakitanga