I met grief for the first time in 1990. There I was, 13 years old, minding my own business, when grief walked right up and slapped me. The slap was so hard that the scar is still there. You can't see it because it slapped my heart, not my face. At 13, you should not be required to say goodbye to your mom. Nothing about that feels right, but it was my life. It was the first, but not the last time, grief and I met. Even after the loss, it lurks around. For some reason, grief always takes me by surprise. It shows up out of nowhere, and BAM! It reminds me of its existence. 

For many people, the holiday season is the happiest time of year, but for some, it's not. It's when you miss the person or people you can no longer hug or kiss the most. 

So, you may be wondering, "Why are you sharing this? Are you trying to bring us down?" The answer is no. I'm trying to help you stay up. Up in spirit. Up in joy. Up in happiness.

I'm sharing this because...
#1, I want you to know you're not alone. There are so many people struggling to smile. Struggling to wake up and give the day the best they have to offer.

#2, because I know what helped me when life felt like it was holding a pillow of grief over my nose, and it hurt to breathe. The only time I felt better was when I released the pain. I didn't release it on other people, but that was by choice. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that IF they have the capacity to handle it and also if they understand that sometimes you're not looking for words of wisdom, just a listening ear. 

Anyway, enough about that. I'm trying to say that journaling has helped me through some dark days, and I believe it can help you, too. Download my FREE "Your Write to Heal: Journaling Through Grief During the Holiday." 

The journal includes: 
*A daily scripture.
*A daily journal prompt
*A daily tip for keeping your mind active.

Download one for yourself, and share the link with anyone who may need it.

Take Care, 
Lorna "L.A." Lewis