Welcome to The Journey to Healing Blog
By Bren Bell (Coach & Counselor)
Expert Advice on Grief, Coping and Navigating LifeTransitions
On this blog, I share stories and insights on navigating loss, overcoming grief through transitional times, and moving through challenging seasons of life.
Looking for something specific? Search below!
“Anticipatory Grief: The Quiet Sorrow Before Loss”
Anticipatory grief is a deep, painful sorrow that occurs before an impending loss. It often goes unacknowledged, but nonetheless it is our minds way of protecting and preparing us. It affects those facing a loved one’s approaching death, their own mortality, or even non-death-related losses—like an impending mastectomy, divorce, or a progressive diagnosis.
The anticipation of Grief
3 minute read
“A Year of Firsts after Loss”
Losing a loved one brings a wave heart-wrenching reality of 'firsts'—the first holiday without them, their first missed birthday, the first anniversary of their passing, and the first celebration of ANYTHING where their absence is deeply felt. Each milestone can feel like a new wave of grief, making the journey seem endless..
A Year of Firsts after Loss: Tips to Navigate
3 minute read
“Rebuilding After Loss: A Journey to Rediscovering Yourself”
It is unlikely that anyone gets through life without experiencing loss of some kind. Loss manifests in many forms: the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a career, health, financial stability, status, a dream, or even a complete loss of self. Eventually, these experiences can leave us questioning the very core of our identity and purpose in life.
Rebuilding After Loss: A Journey to Rediscovering Yourself
5 minute read
“Tips to Navigate the Winter Season: an invitation to grow, experiment, and reconnect with yourself.”
The hustle and bustle of the holidays are over and winter has settled in with shorter days and frigid temps. It’s normal to feel less active and motivated, which can leave us with lower energy. View this season as an invitation to grow, experiment, and reconnect with yourself.
TIPS for Navigating the Winter Season
5 minute read
“Tips to Navigate the Post-Holiday Blues: A Gentle Path to Renewal”
Post-holiday blues are a natural response to the transition out of a heightened emotional period. Let’s talk about some simple ways to ease through this transition and maybe even turn it into a chance to reset and refresh.
TIPS for Navigating Post-Holiday Blues
3 minute read
“Setting Realistic New Year’s Resolutions: 8 Tips for lasting Change”
The start of a new year brings with it a desire for change. Check this out for 8 TIPS for Lasting Change!
8 TIPS for Lasting Change
5 minute read
“Embracing the New Year with Grace in Grief ”
Embracing the New Year with Grace in Grief
This change—this “new normal”—is likely not something you chose or wanted, and it’s okay to feel resentful about it.
3 minute read
“MERRY CHRISTMAS” / “HAPPY HOLIDAYS”
Words That Weigh Heavy: Navigating Difficult Wishes in Grief
3 minute read
“Managing Holiday Grief”
Holidays can be complicated without considering grief. When grieving a loss, your favorite times may feel like an obstacle you must manage for the first time. At first it can be difficult to distinguish this time of year from the rest of the year, as every turn of the calendar can be a reminder of your loss.
3 minute read
Grief and Loss Quotes
I have always loved coming across the most relevant and impactful quote, just at the moment I needed to see it!
“The Symbolism of Fall: Finding the Beauty of Letting Go
Reflecting on autumn often evokes a sense of warmth and comfort, conjuring images of cozy sweaters, delicious pies, and warm bonfires. However, the deeper symbolic meanings of autumn extend far beyond these familiar comforts, intertwining with the essence of human existence.
3 minute read
“A Thanksgiving lesson: Gratitude in times of grief”
Grief and gratitude, though seemingly contrasting emotions, can coexist harmoniously. It is entirely possible to hold the sorrow of loss in one hand while embracing the beauty of life with the other.
3 minute read
“Grief, Holidays and Sensory Memories
Certain smells associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas can trigger grief, particularly for people who have lost loved ones or are navigating other forms of emotional pain. Smell is closely linked to memory and emotion, due to how the brain processes scents.
3 minute read
Supporting someone with an Addiction
Substance abuse disorder is a challenging journey, not just for the individual battling addiction but also for their families. If you have a loved one struggling with addiction, know that you are not alone.
3 minute read
“AVOIDANCE vs HELPFUL DISTRACTIONS”
Moving forward with Grief - A fine line between Avoidance and Helpful Distractions
Helpful distractions can prevent feelings of being overwhelmed by doing activities that allow you to take a break from grief. No one can be expected to continually endure the emotions associated with loss. Participating in restorative activities to help recharge is entirely necessary. This is an integral part of the healing process.
5 minute read
What is the difference between a Life Coach and Grief Counselor?
If you are experiencing grief and loss due to an expected or unexpected life transition, you might find yourself at some point looking for guidance on how to maneuver through the abyss.
3 minute read