The Paradox of Grief: Pain and Beauty in Healing

Boomer Banter, Real Talk about Aging Well

The journey of healing through grief is not a linear path but a deeply personal and often unpredictable process. Wendy Green, host of Boomer Banter, explores this theme with guest Deborah Edgar, who shares her life story and the wisdom contained in her book "Good Grief." Deborah opens up about her challenging upbringing, the loss of her brother, and the trauma of losing her partner, John, during a joyful occasion. These experiences have taught her that grief must be embraced and processed, not ignored or hurried. She advocates for a holistic approach, incorporating practices such as journaling, morning rituals, and seeking support from a "trusted tribe." The discussion emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to feel and express grief, recognizing it as a sacred and necessary part of life. Deborah's message is one of hope and resilience, reminding listeners that through grief, it is possible to find healing and even joy.

Takeaways:

• Grief is not something you get over, but something you grow through by embracing it.
• Acknowledge and validate others' feelings, rather than dismissing them with common platitudes.
• Finding and engaging in activities that bring joy is crucial for soul care during grief.
• Discussing and remembering loved ones helps keep their spirit alive and supports healing.
• It's okay to feel both grateful and heartbroken simultaneously; this is part of the grief paradox.

Links:

Email Deborah Edgar at [email protected]

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