The yearly calendar begins with January marking the days of our lives. Our journey through grief can be described in seasons. Understanding our seasons of grief can help us endure unbearable loss with self-compassion and strength.

“Every season is one of becoming, but not always one of blooming. Be gracious with your ever-evolving self.” —  B. Oakman

Winter represents a beginning season of grief and offers ways to cope. When death takes your beloved, you may be plunged into darkness, despair — your world becomes barren and lonely. The winter of grief is about survival — focus on basic needs. It is a time to take exquisite care of yourself even though you may feel alienated from the you of today as you yearn for yesterday.