The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

November has a way of inviting us to slow down, gather around tables, count our blessings, and reflect on everything we have to be thankful for. And...

Maybe you're missing someone you love. Maybe you're grieving a marriage, a relationship, your health, or a version of yourself you barely recognize anymore. Or maybe you're simply exhausted from being the person everyone depends on.

One of the things I've learned through my own experiences and those I walk alongside is that grief and gratitude are not opposites.

You can be thankful for the people sitting around your table and deeply miss the one who isn't there.

You can appreciate how far you've come and still wish life had turned out differently.

And perhaps most importantly, you can be grateful for your life while acknowledging that parts of it have been incredibly difficult.

This November, I want to invite you to release the expectation that gratitude must somehow erase your grief.

Have you ever noticed how a song, a familiar smell, or even walking into a grocery store can suddenly bring emotions you weren't expecting?

Our brains connect memories with people, places, sounds, smells, and experiences.

The recipes we make. The decorations we unpack. The traditions we repeat. The people we expect to see.

When someone or something important is missing, those familiar experiences can bring the loss into sharper focus. And sometimes, our bodies respond before we've even had time to understand what we're feeling.

These responses don't mean you're going backward in your healing. They may simply mean that something important to you is being remembered.

Grief isn't always asking us to fix something. Sometimes it's asking us to acknowledge what matters.

And that acknowledgment can be the beginning of giving ourselves a little more compassion.

There is something about this song that speaks to the love that remains after someone dies.

For those grieving a loved one, it offers a gentle reminder of faith, love, and the hope of reunion.

If this song feels right for you, find a quiet moment to listen. Let yourself feel whatever comes.

Over these past several months, I've had the privilege of walking alongside women navigating some incredibly difficult life transitions.

The loss of a child. The death of a spouse. Divorce. Health challenges. Changing family relationships. And the quiet loss of the woman they used to be.

These are reflections inspired by recurring themes in my coaching conversations, shared without identifying anyone.

These are some of the conversations that continue to shape my work, and they're at the heart of what we're exploring at Becoming.

Before the holiday season becomes filled with obligations, expectations, and endless to-do lists, take a moment to check in with yourself.

☐ Notice one small thing I'm thankful for, without forcing myself to feel grateful.

☐ Remind myself: I don't have to make the holidays perfect to make them meaningful.

Maybe this year, your holidays look different. Different doesn't have to mean wrong. Sometimes different is exactly what our hearts need.

What would it look like to offer myself the same compassion I so freely give to others?

Sometimes we understand what we're feeling in our minds, and our bodies still feel tense, restless, or overwhelmed.

Somatic Breathwork offers an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with your body, and create space to process emotions through intentional breathing.

Whether you're navigating grief, stress, or simply feeling disconnected from yourself, you're welcome to join us.

Find More Information and Available Dates Click Here

Free Community Support: When Strong Isn't Working Anymore

Our free community conversations continue on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Becoming.

This is a space for real conversations about grief, life changes, boundaries, emotional exhaustion, and learning how to receive support.

You don't have to have the right words. You don't have to share more than you're comfortable sharing. And you certainly don't have to pretend you're doing better than you are.

Next Gathering: Tuesday, November 17th
Time: 6:00–7:00 PM
Location: Becoming: A Space to Breathe, Heal & Begin Again
9500 Collinsville Road, Suite 6, Collinsville, IL 62234

You do not have to carry everything alone. More Information

Female Voices: Life & Loss Podcast

One of the things I love most about hosting Female Voices: Life & Loss is hearing the different ways people experience loss and the courage it takes to tell their stories.

Through conversations about losing parents, caregiving, identity, unexpected life changes, and finding meaning after loss, one message continues to emerge:

There is no single right way to grieve, and no one story defines what healing must look like.

Some guests remind us of the importance of saying our loved ones' names. Others help us recognize how grief changes our identity, relationships, and understanding of ourselves. And sometimes, hearing another person's story gives us the words for something we've been carrying silently.

If you haven't listened lately, I invite you to find a conversation that speaks to where you are today.

Listen to the latest episodes here: Click to Listen

One Last Thought Before You Go

As we enter this season of gratitude, I want you to remember something.

You don't have to be thankful for what happened to you. You don't have to find a lesson in every loss. You don't have to turn your pain into something positive to prove you're healing. And perhaps, in the middle of everything you're carrying, you can begin noticing the small moments that still offer comfort.

A conversation with someone who understands.

A peaceful morning.

A memory that brings a smile instead of only tears.

A moment when you realize you're beginning to trust yourself again.

And maybe, just maybe, the greatest gift you can give yourself this November is permission to experience the season exactly as you are.

With gratitude. With grief. With love. With hope.

There is room for all of it. And there is room for you.

“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:

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.