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2024 - Week 1 - Your Belief System

In the 80’s  AT&T had a marketing campaign called Reach out and Touch Someone. 

It was all about the power of your voice. The power of your voice to offer comfort. The power of your voice to offer healing. The power of your voice to offer just what is needed at that time.

 Over the weekend, we celebrated the life of Mary A Hopson. Mrs. Hopson was the mother of a dear friend of mine, Gina. Mrs. Hopson was a fashionista, and a beautician, and a part of my village growing up in Albany, Georgia.

Earlier in the week before the service on Saturday, I reached out to Gina just to say hello. We talked for over an hour, laughing, and reminiscing about a deep and rich history we’ve had for over 40 years.  It reminded me of the power of your voice and the power of having a rich history with someone.  

As we celebrated, Mrs. Hopson’s life, I was reminded of my own mother and father and what an amazing community and support I had growing up. Reid comes in waves. At least it does for me.

 My childhood in Albany, Ga was filled with community and two of my oldest dearest friends, Suzanne and Gina are part of a rich history. In 2022 we said goodbye to Suzanne’s parents and  Mrs. Hopson was the final parent of ours to join the others in our village wherever they are. 

Grief comes in waves, at least it does for me. I found myself reliving the grief of losing my own mother through the experience of being there for Gina as we celebrated a life well lived. I took time to be with my feelings and emotions on my solo drive back from Albany, stopping in familiar places and enjoying the mixture of sunshine and cold… I mean it is winter, right? 

The excerpt that I’m sharing this week from my book/ebook/audiobook, Why Struggle? Life is too short to wear tight shoes, is Know the Stages of Grief. 

Know the Stages of Grief

Life is a cycle. We are born. We live. We die. Death is as natural as living. Recognizing and accepting the laws of nature can help us live more in the present moment. As we learn to accept our lives and live without struggling over the inevitable, we can truly appreciate the gift of life.

Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance are the stages of grief. The time for each stage is as unique as your fingerprint. Experience the emotions as they arise and be gentle with yourself at this time.

Remember we may also experience grief when we make changes in our lives such as a change in a relationship, moving to a new city or a change in your work environment. A loss is a loss, give yourself permission to grieve as you feel necessary.

Practice: Remember when someone you loved died and how you felt. Think about the emotions you felt.

Were they denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance?

Affirmation: I accept the flow of life. Peace of mind is mine.

 Winter is also known as a time for grief to be an emotion that comes up for people. What are your thoughts about grief? You can connect with me at barbarafaison llc@gmail.com is the best way to reach me. And if social media is better for you, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, our best.

 The card I pulled for us for this moment is: 

#2 - RELAX - The TURN OFF my devices for 15 MINUTES

This is a great practice I do often. It allows me to be more present to what is happening in my life. 

I hope you check out my YouTube channel, Barbara Faison, where I share ideas, insights and reminders to be in the present moment called Breath Breaks and more.

If you'd like to take a breath break, you can find over 50 on the Breath Break Playlist. Be sure to subscribe, follow, share and leave a comment if you joined!

Feel free to share your thoughts, ask a question or just say hello to me - via email at barbarafaisonllc@gmail.com.

Thank you for your support and being on this journey with me.

Until next time, keep breathing and do something new.

Be well and be kind to YOU.

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