Tag Archives: grief

The Mary Mac Show | Understanding the Stages of Grief

The Mary Mac Show PodcastMany people who talk about the stages of grief believe that you go through them in a certain order. But this is far from the truth.

The stages of grief are completely different for those who are actually dying versus those who survive a loved one’s death.

Survivors go through a roller coaster of emotions during the grieving process. They move through the various stages sometimes on a more frequent basis, then later more slowly. They can jump around between stages and perhaps skip stages that no longer relate to them.

What you need to know is that there is no right way to grieve. No perfect way to go through these ‘stages’ and I, for one, think they set us up for self-imposed failure because we think we should go through them in some particular order.

Everyone is different so please don’t beat yourself up because of what you’ve learned in the past about these stages.

You will go through YOUR grieving process in the exact manner you’re supposed to. No one can dictate how it will flow, so don’t put some framework on yourself.

Yes, you might touch on each of these stages, but perhaps not in the order they are usually discussed. And you might go back and forth experiencing some for a little longer or shorter than others.

Our work is to help you celebrate the life of the person who died or was killed and to honor what you are going through. We look for the positive instead of the negative. We look for you to feel better not worse because you think you should be moving along at someone else’s predetermined pace.

That’s nonsense.

Use your gratitude journal every night. Concentrate on what you DO want instead of what you don’t. And live the new life that is here for you.

Even if you’re not happy about it.

Listen to Episode 6 here. Download, rate and review.

The Myths Surrounding the Grieving Process

The Mary Mac Show PodcastIn Episode 5, we look at the various myths surrounding the grieving process and how not knowing them can lead you to confusion, misunderstanding and unnecessary pain.

Some survivors believe that they will grieve exactly the same way for each person in their live who dies or is killed. And that simply is not the case.

Other feels once they have completed their grieving process, somehow memories or snippets of pain will never come back. This also is a myth because you will experience various occasions like graduations, weddings, birth of children and grandchildren and you’ll wish your special loved one was there to experience it with you.

Listen in to learn all the myths surrounding the grieving process in Episode 5 of The Mary Mac Show.

The Mary Mac Show | New Year, New Decade, New Life

The Mary Mac Show PodcastIn Episode 4, we begin to look at each area of your life and consider what you want for yourself in this new year instead of what you don’t want.

So often when we feel so badly after a loved one’s death, we simply cannot fathom how we will find a way to build a new life for ourselves.

Sometimes we don’t feel we are entitled to develop something new for ourselves.

But if we don’t consider what our life might look like, especially as we begin a new year and new decade, we will simply slump or continue slumping into a despair which can overtake us.

And I’m sure you might feel you are entitled to that despair, but what if you thought a bit differently? What if you decided they would want you to still live a meaningful life?

So in this episode, I not only continue encouraging you to keep up with your gratitude journal, but now start to consider what you might like to change or do in the new year.

Go to The Mary Mac Show and download Episode 4. Subscribing is the easiest way to insure you’ll always get my podcast each Sunday morning.

I hope you will take the time to do the exercises I give you in this episode.

You have a choice – to live in despair or begin something new. I choose ‘new’ for you.

Send me your comments by clicking on “Read More” after each episode. Or just simply leave them below.

And I wish you a comforted New Year!

Blessings to you.

xoxo

The Mary Mac Show | Christmas and Hanukkah Gatherings with Family and Friends

The Mary Mac Show PodcastIn Episode 3, I delve into how to handle Christmas and Hanukkah with family and friends and Holiday Grief.

I also talk about how to help your children during this time of year.

Children are most vulnerable after a loved one’s death and need you to comfort, guide, and be close.

They are hurting too and need attention. If you are busy, do have a trusted friend be attentive to them.

This week, especially, be kind to yourself. Take the time you need for yourself.

And honor your loved one during gatherings in some way. I speak about many ways to do that.

Go to The Mary Mac Show and download Episode 3. Subscribing is the easiest way to insure you’ll always get my podcast each Sunday morning.

May this week bring you joy concentrating on the memories of your loved one and even if you cry or have mixed emotions, celebrate their life. Focus on the good, happy moments you shared with them rather than what you don’t have.

Reach for something that will make you smile or laugh.

I’ll be thinking of you this week.

May you have a wonderful Hanukkah and Merry Christmas.

xoxo

The Mary Mac Show | Preparing for Christmas and Hanukkah

The Mary Mac Show PodcastIn Episode 2, I delve into how to best prepare yourself for the year-end holidays, Christmas and Hanukkah.

The very best thing you can do for yourself is to consider what you are capable of, what brings you joy, how to decrease stress surrounding gifts, decorating, baking, invitations, etc.

What you did last year or in years past, may not be practical this year. It may just be too much for you and that’s alright.

I also discuss how to talk to family and friends to discuss how they can help you at this time.

Go to The Mary Mac Show and download Episode 2. Subscribing is the easiest way to insure you’ll always get my podcast each Sunday morning.