It's okay to have sad days. For those who are grieving, the holidays can be an extra hard time and while the world seems cheerful and celebratory, it can be hard to even just get out of bed. This week, Dr. Venus just asks you to grieve with her as she contends with the angelversary of her brother Tory passing away from COVID on last Christmas Eve. She shares resources that can help in the darkest of times, and reminds you that you aren't alone if you are grieving. Key Takeaways: [1:56] There is a difference between grieving and suffering. As humans, it's natural to grieve and even healthy to let yourself have the time and space you need to know when are sad and grieving. [2:42] While it hurts so deeply that Tory transitioned on last Christmas Eve, there would be no good day for it to have happened. [4:39] If you are grieving during the holidays, you aren't alone. The holiday experience is different for everyone and can change during each passing year. [6:17] A book to understand grief more deeply and to observe the different stages that Dr. Venus recommends is The Five Stages of Grief. [8:59] It can feel extra painful to try and understand why God takes the good people, when there are so many people left on the planet doing so much damage. It's okay to feel frustrated about fairness. Life can be very unfair and confusing. [10:11] If you know and love someone grieving, please don't ask them to be positive. On some days that is just impossible. [13:27] It can be comforting to find something that helps you systematically medidate. For Dr. Venus she is learning to cook a few dishes just to keep her hands busy. It doesn't matter if you are great at the skill, it just matters that you are trying. [14:50] COVID was extra hard because we couldn't prepare for it. The suprise was just as bad as the loss, and there's no way to grieve together in the way we normally do. [16:47] It's healthy to grieve, and it's okay to surrender. If you need to go right to bed today, there's always tomorrow. Quotes: "It's healthy to grieve." "I get mad at God. We go back and forth a lot." "It's okay to surrender." Mentioned: Dr. Venus Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram "Hot Mess Millionaire" Amazon Pilot "Hot Mess Millionaire" Complete Series (https://www.youtube.com/c/DrVenusOpalReese) Free Gift When You Join The Truth Tribe The Black Woman Millionaire Hot Mess Edition RESOURCES The Five Stages of Grief