Faith in Humanity: What Grief is Teaching Me About Connection and Small Gestures
As I've been working through everything surrounding the recent death of my husband, one truth has become crystal clear: People are good, and they want to help.

I may someday feel ready to share more of our story from the past few months, but right now, it feels too personal. My emotions are still raw, and I’m struggling to find the balance between what to share and what to keep private. For now, I want to focus on what I’m learning in the midst of this difficult experience—starting with the incredible ways my faith in humanity’s goodness has been deepened.

 My faith in humanity's goodness has deepened.

The Power of Small Gestures in Grief


Some people have walked this road before. They’ve been through loss and grief and know firsthand how overwhelming it can be. They understand the small gestures that meant the most to them and often step in without being asked—bringing meals, running errands, or simply sitting quietly.
These thoughtful actions can be lifesavers because, honestly, you may not even know what you need until someone shows up and does it.


 How to help someone through grief

How to Help Someone Through Grief


Then there are those who want to help but hesitate, afraid of overstepping or doing the wrong thing. They don’t want to intrude, so they hold back.
If you’re one of these people, please know how much it matters just to show up. A simple text—“I’m thinking about you” or “I’m at the store; can I grab something for you?”—can mean the world.
It’s not about grand gestures or perfect words; the smallest actions can feel like lifelines. If you’re unsure, ask gently: “Would it help if I…” That willingness to be there, in whatever way is needed, makes a bigger difference than you realize.


 Practical ways to support someone who's grieving

Practical Ways to Support Someone Grieving


Finally, there are those who want to help but have no idea where to begin. For them, it’s okay—and even necessary—to give direction. Assigning small, manageable tasks not only eases your own load but also allows them to feel useful and connected during a time when they might feel powerless.

It doesn’t have to be anything major, but those small tasks can feel monumental in their impact:
• Bring in the mail.
• Let the dogs out.
• Water that plant I keep forgetting about.
• Take my car through the carwash.
• Fold the towels in the dryer.
• Drop this package off at UPS.

Sometimes, falling into a rhythm of simple tasks feels like a comforting return to normalcy. Other times, overwhelm takes over and even the smallest chore feels insurmountable. Grief is unpredictable like that, and that’s okay.


 The Gifts of Grief: Connection and Understanding

The Gifts of Grief: Connection and Understanding


You’ll be amazed at how much people understand this duality. You can tell someone, “I need to be alone today,” and they’ll respect that. Or you can admit, “I don’t want to be alone, but I don’t want to talk,” and they’ll simply sit with you.
That kind of understanding is one of the quiet gifts of grief—it shows you just how deeply people care.



"Grief strips life down to its essentials, revealing love, connection, and the kindness of others."

Finding Strength Through Connection


In the end, I’m finding that grief has a way of stripping life down to its essentials. It reveals what truly matters: love, connection, and the kindness of others.
It teaches you to accept help, even when that feels unfamiliar or vulnerable. And it reminds you that being open—whether you’re the one grieving or the one supporting—creates space for healing in ways you didn’t expect.
If you’re navigating loss, know that it’s okay to ask for help and even to stumble as you figure out what you need. And if you’re walking alongside someone in grief, know that your presence, no matter how imperfect, is more than enough.
In those small, thoughtful moments of showing up, we remind each other of the goodness that still exists, even in the hardest of times.

Have you experienced the power of small gestures in challenging times? Share your story in the comments!





If you’ve made it to the bottom of this post, I’m guessing something here resonated—whether it’s navigating grief and growth, diving into natural wellness, or just trying to live a more intentional life in a fast-paced world.

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6 Comments

  1. You have expressed yourself beautifully, AJ. Terrible reality hits when we lose a beloved spouse, even when we know it’s going to happen.
    Hopefully your writing will help others in their faith journey; in addition to your healing. Continued prayers for God’s strength & peace.
    AJ Flanagan AUTHOR  12/15/2024 06:30 PM Central
    Thanks, Susan.
  2. My dear friend. Thank you for sharing this step in your journey through unspeakable grief.
    Your words bring a feeling of peace to your story,
    People are good, and so many of us care deeply for you.
    Love you.
    AJ Flanagan AUTHOR  12/15/2024 06:30 PM Central
    Love you too, Lisa. ❤️
  3. I think of you often, my friend! Although I cannot imagine what you’re going through, I can see your strength in your willingness to share (in part) what has been your experience in hopes that it may help others. You inspire me.
    AJ Flanagan AUTHOR  12/15/2024 06:30 PM Central
    Thanks, Kay. I appreciate your kind words. ❤️
  4. My dear friend! This was a thoughtful read and I’m proud of you for working your grief in a healthy way. Loss sucks and sometimes you must embrace the “suck”!! Luv ya!
    AJ Flanagan AUTHOR  12/15/2024 06:29 PM Central
    Thanks, Andrea. That means a lot to me. ❤️
  5. The kindness of others always touched me so deeply. Continued prayers for you, AJ.
    AJ Flanagan AUTHOR  12/15/2024 06:28 PM Central
    Thanks, Tina. You've been in my prayers as well.
  6. I continue to pray for you as you walk this journey of grief! Hugs!
    AJ Flanagan AUTHOR  12/15/2024 06:28 PM Central
    Thank you, Laurie. ❤️

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Hi! I'm AJ Flanagan.

 
Hey there! I’m a GenX empty-nester - and recent widow - who had a wake-up call about the hidden toxins in everyday products we used growing up. Our parents didn’t know, and honestly, we were clueless too. But now, I’m all about sharing the details and helping others kick those sneaky chemicals to the curb for a healthier, happier life. 🌿

Life threw us a curveball in 2018 when my amazing husband, Eric, was diagnosed with leukemia. And then a second type of cancer in 2023.  Supporting him through his treatments was challenging, but it also inspired us to make some positive changes. We embraced holistic wellness practices, worked to transform our home into a toxin-free sanctuary, and incorporated relaxation techniques like meditation, music therapy, and aromatherapy into our daily routine.

Caring for and supporting Eric deepened my commitment to living well. From choosing natural products and prioritizing nutritious foods to finding strength in vulnerability, we built a daily routine focused on positivity and wellness. 

I’m passionate about sharing our story, the lessons we learned, and the simple steps we took to enhance our overall well-being.


Creating a Nurturing Space Together

We focused on creating a nurturing environment where both of us could thrive. It was a process of resilience, love, and continuous learning that I'm determined to carry forward from here. I’m eager to share our experiences, the lessons we picked up along the way, and the small changes that made a big difference in our lives. Whether you’re looking to make minor adjustments or dive into a complete wellness transformation, I hope our story can inspire and support you on your own path.

Here’s to embracing change, supporting each other, and living our best lives—together! ✨

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