To everything there is a season… a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance. – Ecclesiastes 3:1,4

Hi Teresa,

Autumn has a way of reminding us that even beauty must sometimes let go. The trees do not resist the falling of their leaves, they release them with quiet grace, trusting that what appears to be an ending is simply part of becoming something new.

What if this October, we followed their example?
What if letting go isn’t a loss but a sacred act of trust?

Each season invites us to release what no longer serves our healing. Sometimes it’s the weight of expectations, the pain of unanswered questions, or the guilt of what we couldn’t control. Other times, it’s the need to understand why.

Whatever your heart is holding, God meets you right there in the space between holding on and letting go.

Honoring the Little Lives That Changed Us

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time to pause and remember the babies whose lives were brief but whose impact is eternal.

On October 15, families across the world will light candles at 7 PM for the Wave of Light, a shared moment of remembrance and love.

Whether your arms are empty or your heart carries a memory, know this: your love still matters, and your story is sacred.

Every baby leaves an imprint on our hearts, no matter how short their time with us.

What might I be ready to release this season so that my heart has room to breathe again?

When Grief Feels Unseen

Not every loss is witnessed by others. Some are invisible; infertility, lost dreams, relationships that changed, or versions of ourselves we’ve had to say goodbye to.

If you’ve been carrying something quietly, may this be your invitation to loosen your grip. Releasing doesn’t mean forgetting it means trusting that you can carry the love without carrying the pain in the same way.

“Every loss matters because every story matters.”

October also holds space for other sacred awareness observances that touch so many hearts:

Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us of the courage it takes to face uncertainty, treatment, and change with hope. Whether you’re walking through it personally or standing beside someone who is, your faith and strength are inspiring.

Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 6–12) reminds us that emotional and mental health are an essential part of healing. You are not weak for struggling you are human. Reaching out for help is an act of courage and trust.

If these journeys have touched your life or the life of someone you love, take a moment this month to honor their strength, pray for continued healing, and extend grace to yourself in the process.

 

       

                                            Click to Listen

 10 Ways to Gently Let Go This Season

A simple heart check to help you notice what may be ready for release this season. Choose the ones that speak to your healing today.

☐ I’ve noticed areas in my life where I’m still holding on tightly to something that no longer brings peace.
☐ I’ve given myself permission to grieve what could have been without guilt or judgment.
☐ I’ve released the need to have all the answers right now.
☐ I’ve created space in my week for stillness or prayer.
☐ I’ve acknowledged emotions I’ve been avoiding and offered them compassion.
☐ I’ve let go of the expectation to “be okay” all the time.
☐ I’ve invited God to carry what feels too heavy for me.
☐ I’ve released comparison and honored the pace of my own healing.
☐ I’ve taken one small step toward renewal…writing, walking in nature, or reaching out for support.
☐ I’ve thanked God for the courage to let go and the faith to believe that new life is already taking root.

If you read through this and felt a tug on your heart, please know this: you don’t have to walk this road alone. Sometimes the bravest step we can take is reaching out, whether for ourselves or for someone we love. Healing is not a straight line, and it becomes lighter when carried together.


3 Opportunities for Healing and Connection


#1   2nd Annual Emotional Freedom After Loss Retreat – November 14–16, 2025
At Toddhall Retreat & Conference Center, Columbia, IL
A restorative weekend to step away, breathe deeply, and receive the support your heart longs for. Through guided practices, community, and faith-centered rituals, you’ll experience renewal and find hope for what’s ahead.

P.S. Imagine giving yourself a weekend to simply breathe, rest, and receive. The retreat is your invitation to step away from the noise and into renewal. More Details  

There are still spaces available. Reach out if you would like a discount code!


#2   Grief Resilience Series: From Loss to Light – O’Fallon Public Library Series
A compassionate space to reflect, share, and learn practical ways to navigate the season ahead.

P.S. If you’ve been longing for a gentle space where your grief can be acknowledged and held, this series is for you. Come as you are, you don’t have to carry it alone.   More Details  


#3   Grief Recovery Method support groups are forming and starting in St Louis in a few weeks. Reach out if you are interested in continuing your healing journey with us.


Letting go isn’t weakness, it’s an act of faith. It’s saying, “God, I trust You with what I cannot hold anymore.”

Even as the trees grow bare, the promise of new life is already at work beneath the surface. May this season remind you that release is not the end of your story, it’s the soil from which renewal will bloom.

If you need someone to walk beside you in that process, I’m here. You don’t have to do this alone.

 

 Hope and Healing,

Teresa Reiniger

Grief Specialist with Living After Grief

 

 

 

 “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  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:

Book a Hope Exploration Session:

During this session we will:

  • Assess Where You Are Currently:  Understand where you are right now and identify the emotional triggers that are holding you.
  • Clarify Your Desires and Vision: Clarity and Understanding to live your life fully while honoring your loved one.
  • Explore Collaboration: If I'm confident that I can help you, I’ll share how we can work together to achieve your goals.

Sound good? Click the link to schedule a time to talk.

Book A Call:

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.

Podcast Click Here: 


Teresa Reiniger
Living After Grief