When I was a teenager, I had the opportunity to see Ben Howard live for the first time, I remember trying to convince a friend to come with me because “You aren’t going to remember the time you saved £25.00, you’re going to remember the time you were front row at a Ben Howard concert!”. Needless to say, we had a great time. It’s something I’ve always been mindful of. And now, after losing my mum, memories have never been so valuable to me.
Category: Inside Our Griefcase
Tips on Journalling When You’re Feeling…
Tips on Journalling When You’re… Sad, Frustrated, Happy, Heartbroken, Grieving, Insecure, Anxious or Lost
Reality Revisited: 2/3 Memories Were The Best Things You Ever Had
When you hold your thumb, try and think of a safe and calming space. This could be a place that you imagine, like a beach with the sound of the waves, or it could be a memory where you remember feel particularly calm. For me it is lying back on the trampoline, feeling warm by the evening sun, at about 12 years old.
What Led Us Here?
After the loss of our mum, we have tried several times to find information online about people in similar situations – to feel less alone, to get advice, to know that life can continue after all of the trauma. We couldn’t find anyone. So, we decided that we would become those people for others through The Grief Reality.
Reality Revisited: I Don’t (Self) Care
Self care can be defined as this: an activity that helps to improve your mental health and wellbeing without causing stress or anxiety.
Reality Revisited: Why I Bought A Locket
When we put the photos in, and I put it on, I didn’t feel happy. I felt safe. I felt like, now I have my locket, Mummy will always be in the right ventricle of my heart, and I could always show people a picture of my Mum. I felt more relaxed, like I didn’t have to try so hard to keep remembering. But most of all, I felt close to Mummy.
Any Submissions? (July, August 2021)
thegriefreality@outlook.com , just pop in the subject “As Told By [Your Name or Anonymous] or you can private message your posts to us on our social media.
Reality Revisited: How Many Spoons Do You Have Today?
I feel as though I am slowly sinking into thick black tar. My clothes feel like lead, pulling me under even more, weighing heavy against my lungs making it difficult to breathe. I don’t have the strength to put out my arm and reach for help. I feel completely overcome with grief for my mum. I feel debilitated.
Reality Revisited: Saying “Yes” to Yourself by Saying “No” to Others
Sometimes, making plans for the following week seems like a great idea – and sometimes it is – but other times, you just have to cancel because all you need to do is gather your strength at home.
Reality Revisited: Am I A Carer?
It didn’t make sense at first. How could I have been a carer for such a long period without having realised? I think this is the case for many people. Like I said, the changes were minimal at first, and you really don’t mind because you’d do anything for your family.