Grief in 2020: Recognize, Respect, Release.

2020 has been a tough year. I think all of us, save for a few, rare unicorns will agree with that statement. Our particular situations and circumstances don't matter because this year, we've all been united in the unexpected and unwelcome. I've heard and read a lot from folks who want to kick 2020 to the curb and not look back. But, as part of my #2021GoalSetting, I think it's important to look at 2020 and for a few moments, allow ourselves to not only feel, but also grieve.

Many of us come from a culture where grief isn't really talked about. We are all about pushing through, or giving grace, but rarely do we take the time to sit with our feelings. One of the most difficult parts of my sight loss has been dealing with grief on a scale I had never imagined. Not just once, not just twice, but every day, week, month, and year. As my sight loss continues to progress, I lose another part of the person I used to be,   a dream I once had, or a skill I can no longer exercise.

This past year we have experienced loss on a global scale. Your loss might have been large, it might have been small, but none of us were left untouched. Before we move into 2021, I hope you will take a moment to think over 2020. What loss did you experience? Have you allowed yourself to grieve? Recognize your loss, respect your feelings, and then, with hope, release them to move forward into 2021.

Here's a very short video from psychologist, Lowell Taylor with reflections on grief and healing I've found helpful in my own journey.