<ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Anniversaries of a loved one's death can reactivate intense grief reactions like intrusive thoughts, yearning, anger, anxiety and depression</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Iris launched her "Grieving Well" podcast on the 1st anniversary of her husband David's passing</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The day was excruciatingly painful despite efforts to do self-care activities like a massage, beach visit, lunch</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">A text from David's best friend unleashed a wave of emotions as the shared grief struck her</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Her children and other loved ones intentionally offered love and support in tangible ways.</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Key Takeaways:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">There is no right or wrong way to experience an anniversary of loss</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Allow yourself to feel whatever arises - sadness, anger, anxiety, relief after the day</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Plan ahead - take off work, visit meaningful places, write a letter, look at photos</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Lean on your support system</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Don't judge your emotions - grief is unpredictable</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Practice self-compassion</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Grief is "love with no place to go" after loss (quote from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTL63wRVLYY">Robin Roberts’ Interview with Regina King</a>)</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">“Grief is a receipt.. . .It shows you loved someone deeply” (quote from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Think-Youll-Be-Happy-Gratitude/dp/B0BT3S53D7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YTKO2JPXIC8K&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sp9nJGD5JnXAubu1CmFdEj3NTmme3_zL-RAxW0SYQHFoy54rUxuWUohFtpc0mz6fmLK4mRIu9THxSsXrsB4_tLOroQatgiDL7xhbdRYkJmMVA6tPc22UQDaDxD6lZ-ICTPmLGQMvjdTBLI695ytOam2-THzndOErjQXOO5Ux6LBCBV3Ows8PINXfpl48dqkrxTmsONG8NZBrciUaN67_z7WICNjhmG8Rj5jww7QLVhA.Y3PewZWEgixxvpO7_sWHKv6jjq9-bWcN7u3vjDlNjaA&dib_tag=se&keywords=think+you%27ll+be+happy+nicole+avant&qid=1715832434&sprefix=think+you%27ll+be+%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-1"> Think You’ll Be Happy: Moving Through Grief with Grit, Grace, and Gratitude</a> by Nicole Avant)</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Suggestions:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Feel the grief but also feel grateful for the love you shared</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Remembrance keeps the memory alive in a meaningful way </p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Find a support group or grief-informed therapist if needed</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Have compassion for yourself through this challenging journey</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Let’s Connect:</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="http://instagram.com/irispbryant">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://facebook.com/irispbryant">Facebook</a></p> <p dir="ltr"><a href="http://irispbryant.com">Website</a></p> <p> </p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://irispetersonbryant.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&#38;utm_campaign=CTA_1">irispetersonbryant.substack.com</a>