Grief, loss, and stress are natural parts of the human condition, and, as humans, we're hard-wired for resiliency in the face of struggles, large and small. But some losses are deep and complex and can deplete our inner resources and ability to bounce back. Such a life-changing tragedy entered my life on a hot, sunny afternoon in August 1997, when our first child, daughter Lauren, died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome ("SIDS") during an afternoon nap on her third day of daycare.
The death of a child is one of the most challenging losses humans can bear, but it is by far not the only one. Other losses, including the deaths of other loved ones, trauma, failed relationships, and professional struggles, can also be complicated, debilitating, and overwhelming.
And in dark and trying times, we take refuge in our cocoon.
- In our cocoon, we need to make sense of what just happened and what to do next.
- In our cocoon, we crave understanding. Why did this happen? How can I "fix" this? How can I make it better? How can I go on, putting one foot in front of the other for another minute, hour, day, year, or lifetime?
- In our cocoon, we struggle to nourish ourselves, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
In my work as a grief advocate, speaker, and certified nutritionist, I see how grief shows up for many of us - stress, anxiety, guilt, depression, weight struggles, and illness. I not only provide one-to-one coaching with clients, I also present custom workshops and talks to larger audiences on topics such as the Journey of Grief, SIDS & Safe Infant Sleep, and Managing Stress.