Wow, February flew by! It was a month full of planning for upcoming events, and before I knew it, the end of the month had arrived. If you read through to the bottom, you’ll find details about the next 8-week Grief Recovery Session starting soon and the Bereaved Mother’s Day event in May.

Have you ever set a deadline for something, only to watch that date come and go? It happens—and that’s okay. A date is just a guide, not a rule. What matters most is that you keep moving forward, adjusting as needed, and staying committed to your goal. (A little reminder for myself, too!)

What Can Spring Teach Us About Healing?

As we step into March and embracing new beginnings, the world around us begins to wake up—flowers bloom, trees bud, and the days grow longer. Spring is a season of renewal, a reminder that no matter how harsh the winter has been, new life always emerges. When you're grieving, it can be hard to embrace this season of fresh starts, yet so important.

March is also a time to honor the strength of women in all their journeys. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we recognize the women who have broken barriers—not just in leadership, education, or activism, but also in healing. This year’s theme, "Moving Forward Together," reminds us that healing is not meant to be done in isolation. Whether through shared stories, mutual support, or lifting each other up in times of struggle, women have always been a source of strength for one another. Every woman who has navigated loss, heartbreak, and life’s unexpected changes is a trailblazer in her own right. Together, we can create a culture of compassion, empowerment, and resilience—one where no woman has to walk her healing journey alone.

March is also, Pregnancy After Loss Awareness Month a deeply emotional and complex time for many women. The journey of carrying new life while still grieving a previous loss can feel like an emotional tightrope—balancing hope, fear, joy, and sorrow all at once. Just as Women’s History Month reminds us to move forward together, pregnancy after loss is not a journey that should be walked alone. It’s in the shared stories, the supportive communities, and the understanding hearts of those who have been there that healing becomes possible. Whether you're personally navigating this path or supporting someone who is, know that honoring both grief and hope is not only possible—it’s a testament to resilience and love.

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Recognizing Hidden Losses

Grief is not just about losing a loved one—it can stem from any major life change. Often, we don’t even realize that we’re grieving. Loss can take many forms, including:

💔 Job Loss – Losing a career or role that once defined you can feel like losing a part of yourself.
🏡 Moving or Relocation – Leaving behind familiar places and communities can stir deep feelings of loss and instability.
💔 Divorce or Relationship Changes – The end of a marriage or partnership brings not only emotional pain but also the loss of dreams and plans for the future.
👨‍👩‍👧 Estranged or Absent Parent – Grieving the relationship you never had or the one you wish had been different is a very real and valid form of grief.
🩺 Health Struggles or Chronic Illness – When your body no longer allows you to live as you once did, there’s a grieving process for the life you imagined.

No matter the type of loss, healing isn’t about rushing forward—it’s about allowing yourself to move through the process in your own time.

Spring Cleaning for the Soul

Just as we clean out our homes in the spring, we can also clear out emotional burdens that are weighing us down. Here are a few simple ways to invite healing into your life this season:

Give Yourself Permission to Feel – Grief is not something to "get over"; it’s something to move through. Let yourself feel without judgment.

Journal Your Thoughts – Writing down your emotions, memories, or even the things you’re struggling to release can help bring clarity and peace.

Lean Into Support – You don’t have to grieve alone. Seeking community, whether through a support group, trusted friends, or a grief specialist, can provide the understanding and comfort you need.

Create a Small Ritual of Renewal – Whether it’s planting a flower in honor of a loved one, lighting a candle, or taking a mindful walk outside, small symbolic acts can be powerful in creating space for healing.

A Moment for Reflection

Take a deep breath. Place your hand on your heart. Ask yourself:

✨ What’s one small thing I can let go of this season to create space for healing? ✨

Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. It means making room for what can bloom in your life.

You Don’t Have to Walk This Path Alone

If grief is weighing heavy on your heart, no matter what type of loss, I invite you to join my 8-week Grief Recovery Method Support Group starting Monday, March 31st at 6:30 PM at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Belleville, IL.

Together, we’ll walk through this season of renewal, learning how to process loss in a way that allows you to live fully again.

You are not alone. Healing is possible. If you're ready to take that step, reach out—I’d love to support you.

📩 Reply to this email to learn more or reserve your spot in the support group. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot soon!

Save the Date: Bereaved Mother’s Day Event registration will open next week

Date: Saturday, May 3rd, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Location: Toddhall Retreat and Conference in Columbia, IL

$$ Cost: $35.00 per person

📩 Reply to this email to learn more and be the first to receive the registration link. Space will be limited

“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” – Hal Borland

“My mission is to work with compassionate grieving women to navigate their path of grief, fostering resilience and finding clarity and understanding in their journey. My role as a Grief Resilience Specialist is to support them in reclaiming their freedom to live fully and to cultivate a deeper sense of trust in themselves as they move through the healing process."

When you are ready, here are a few more ways I can empower you on your grief journey:

You can check out my podcast: Female Voice: Life & Loss. Our podcast is dedicated to women from all walks of life, providing a supportive and encouraging platform that addresses the various challenges they face. We aim to offer compassionate guidance, share diverse stories, and equip listeners with practical advice and resources to help them grow, heal, and thrive through every stage of their journey.