This season, may we learn that gratitude and grief can coexist, creating space for both remembrance and renewal.

Hi Teresa,

As the holiday season approaches, many hearts feel a tug between joy and sorrow. Gratitude can feel complicated when you’re grieving, when the empty chair at the table echoes louder than the laughter around it.

However gratitude isn’t denial. It’s not pretending everything is fine.
Gratitude is a quiet remembering of what was beautiful… even in what’s been lost.
It’s choosing to see God’s hand still at work, even though there is still ache.

Gratitude and Grief Can Coexist

Both can live in the same heart. You can miss someone deeply and still feel thankful for what remains. You can ache for what’s gone and give thanks for the love that shaped you.

Gratitude doesn’t cancel grief, it’s a companion-walking with it.
Each “thank you” whispered in pain becomes a small act of faith that healing is possible.

Try one or two of these practices this month:

  • Keep a “Small Joys” List: Each night, write one thing that made you smile.
  • Share Stories at the Table: Invite family to share a favorite memory of your loved one.
  • Create a Remembrance Ornament: Include their name, photo, or a special symbol.
  • Simplify the Season: Choose only what brings peace, not pressure.
  • Take Quiet Time: Step outside, breathe deeply, and whisper gratitude for a moment of stillness.

 

Preparing for the Holidays After Loss

As gatherings and traditions draw near, remember you get to decide what feels right this year.
Give yourself permission to change routines, simplify plans, or say “no” without guilt.

Here are a few ways to navigate the holidays with grace and self-compassion:

 

Holiday Readiness & Gratitude Checklist

☐ I’ve given myself permission to say “no” this season.
☐ I’ve planned one simple way to honor my loved one.
☐ I’ve shared my emotional limits with family or friends.
☐ I’ve scheduled downtime between gatherings.
☐ I’ve written three things I’m thankful for this week.
☐ I’ve reached out for support or community.
☐ I’m allowing myself to feel what I feel without judgment.

 

Click to Listen      

                            

 

Have you thought or said, I’m not looking for to this holiday season?

 

#1  Grief Resilience Series: From Loss to Light – O’Fallon Public Library Series
A compassionate space to reflect, share, and learn practical ways to navigate the season ahead.

P.S. If you’ve been longing for a gentle space where your grief can be acknowledged and held, this series is for you. Come as you are, you don’t have to carry it alone.   More Details  

#2 Holiday Healing Circle: Join our Holiday Healing Circle: A gentle group session designed to help you move through this season with peace, remembrance, and renewed strength in your faith. Beginning Saturday morning November 29th at 9:00am Central Time
Join the Circle Here

This month, may you hold space for both gratitude and grief for both are sacred.
And as you do, may peace quietly make its home in your heart again.

If you need someone to walk beside you in that process, I’m here. You don’t have to do this alone.

 

 Hope and Healing,

Teresa Reiniger

Grief Specialist with Living After Grief

 

 

 

 “My mission is to work with compassionate grieving women to navigate their path of grief, fostering resilience and finding clarity and understanding in their journey. My role as a Grief  Specialist is to support them in reclaiming their freedom to live fully and to cultivate a deeper sense of trust in themselves as they move through the healing process."

 

When you are ready, here are a few more ways I can empower you on your grief journey:

Book a Hope Exploration Session:

During this session we will:

  • Assess Where You Are Currently:  Understand where you are right now and identify the emotional triggers that are holding you.
  • Clarify Your Desires and Vision: Clarity and Understanding to live your life fully while honoring your loved one.
  • Explore Collaboration: If I'm confident that I can help you, I’ll share how we can work together to achieve your goals.

Sound good? Click the link to schedule a time to talk.

Book A Call:

You can check out my podcast: Female Voice: Life & Loss. Our podcast is dedicated to women from all walks of life, providing a supportive and encouraging platform that addresses the various challenges they face. We aim to offer compassionate guidance, share diverse stories, and equip listeners with practical advice and resources to help them grow, heal, and thrive through every stage of their journey.

Podcast Click Here: 
Teresa Reiniger
Living After Grief