In the previous blog post, we explored grief after the passing of my grandmother, Ga-Ga, who died suddenly during my teenage years. Her passing left a profound impact, and for years, the grief went unexpressed, quietly eroding joy. Unresolved grief can leave a lasting impact, quietly diminishing our joy and affecting our sense of self. A Divine Connection to Joy Scripture reveals a profound connection between joy and sadness. Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. (Ps. 1

We all experience loss. Loss of a loved one. Loss of a career. Loss of a dream. Loss of a relationship. Loss of a marriage. Loss of ourselves. Grief is a deep sadness — a natural emotional response to loss. When we avoid grief, it adds suffering to an already painful loss and slowly steals our joy. With my clients — and in my own life — I’ve found that grief is often the most painful emotion, and therefore the most feared and avoided. And that makes sense.   Grandmother’s Pre

The holiday season has come to a close and the Christmas decorations are put away. The house seems bare which has a somberness that pleases me. There is beauty in barren winter with its return to a simpler existence, relief in the absence of clutter, and a tranquility and quiet order that convenes on this brisk January day. This satisfies my soul. Most people dread the winter and I embrace it. I find it an excuse to be indoors with a hot cup of tea, relaxing by the fire, with