Navigating Loss

You Don’t Just Lose Someone Once

You Don’t Just Lose Someone Once
Grief is not a singular event to be overcome, but a continuous process that reverberates through our daily lives. Each day brings new reminders and a fresh sense of loss as the realization that our loved ones are gone resurfaces repeatedly. This journey is a relentless cycle, where grief emerges unexpectedly, echoing with the memories and emotions tied to the ones we've lost.

Navigating grief is about learning to live with these recurring waves rather than overcoming them. It highlights the importance of allowing ourselves to feel and accept this perpetual grief, acknowledging that there is no timeline or conclusion. The weight of loss may vary each day, but nurturing the capacity to stay afloat is a testament to both our resilience and the enduring impact of our memories and love.

Embracing grief also means honoring the love and memories we continue to hold. Through each wave of sorrow, we find a reflection of the profound connections we have known, reinforcing that such bonds, although transformed by grief, remain steadfast. As we journey through this shared experience of loss, extending compassion to ourselves and others becomes crucial, offering a reminder that we are not alone on this path.
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The Duality of Grief: How Can I Feel Sad and Okay at the Same Time?

The Duality of Grief: How Can I Feel Sad and Okay at the Same Time?
Grief is a complex and unpredictable journey, weaving together moments of sadness, joy, and confusion in unexpected ways. It's not the linear, unending sorrow that many anticipate; rather, it oscillates between deep ache and fleeting peace. This duality of emotions, feeling both sad and okay at times, is a testament to the human capacity to hold space for multiple feelings simultaneously.

For those navigating the intricacies of grief, it can be unsettling to experience happiness or laughter amidst the sorrow, often leading to feelings of guilt. However, these moments of relief do not diminish the depth of one’s love or the significance of the loss. Instead, they coexist with grief, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit and its ability to find light in the darkness.

Embracing both sides of grief involves allowing emotions to flow freely, whether through crying or laughter, and understanding that each feeling has its place. Finding solace in writing, talking to others, and practicing self-kindness can offer comfort through the emotional rollercoaster. As the journey unfolds, these reflections and shared experiences reveal that navigating grief is not just about enduring sadness but also cherishing the joyful memories and moments of healing along the way.
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Faith in Humanity: What Grief is Teaching Me About Connection and Small Gestures

Faith in Humanity: What Grief is Teaching Me About Connection and Small Gestures
Navigating the profound emotions following a significant loss can be overwhelming, but amidst the pain, the innate goodness of people shines through. This blog post explores how, during times of grief, humans naturally gravitate towards helping one another. Those who have walked the path of grief before often extend small yet powerful gestures, such as delivering meals or simply offering their silent presence, which become essential to those in mourning. It's a testament to how these thoughtful acts can provide immense relief, even if you're unaware of what you need until someone thoughtfully steps in.

For individuals uncertain about how to offer support, the post suggests that any effort, no matter how modest, can be profoundly valuable. The simple act of reaching out, whether through a text or offering to run a small errand, makes a significant impact. Understanding that the key is presence rather than perfection, asking gently, "Would it help if I…" empowers you to be there in meaningful ways without overstepping, reinforcing bonds and demonstrating humanity's intrinsic kindness.

For those eager to help but unsure where to start, the message is clear: even small, manageable tasks can lighten the load and provide much-needed support. By willingly becoming part of the grieving person's journey, offering help with everyday tasks like fetching the mail or watering plants, you not only ease their burden but also foster a sense of connection and purpose. Grief, while unpredictable, reveals the core of what truly matters—love and connection—and serves as a reminder of the caring nature that persists even in the darkest times. The blog post encourages the sharing of personal stories to highlight the healing capability of these simple, yet profound gestures.
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✨ My blog exists because I know what it feels like to keep everything jumbled in your head — like a messy pile of clothes you can’t sort through.

 Writing it all down brings clarity, calm, and sometimes even healing answers I didn’t know I was looking for.


Honestly, that’s why I keep showing up to write — it helps me make sense of things. 

 Even if you have no intentions of ever publishing your work, I highly recommend writing stuff down. It doesn't have to be a literary masterpiece or even full, grammatically correct sentences... just dump those random thoughts onto paper... you'll see what I mean.

Hi! I'm AJ Flanagan.

 
Hey there — I’m AJ.

I’m an empty-nester and a widow who had a wake-up call about the hidden toxins in everyday products most of us grew up using. Our parents didn’t know. We didn’t know either. But once you start paying attention, it’s hard to ignore.

Life shifted in 2018 when my husband, Eric, was diagnosed with leukemia — and again in 2023 when we faced a second cancer diagnosis. Supporting him through treatment changed how we looked at just about everything, including how we cared for our home, our bodies, and our day-to-day routines.
We didn’t aim for perfection or extremes. We focused on simple, meaningful changes — reducing toxic load in our home, choosing better ingredients, prioritizing nourishing food, and building calmer rhythms into daily life. Tools like aromatherapy, music, meditation, and intentional rest became part of how we coped and stayed grounded.

Caring for Eric deepened my commitment to living well — not as a trend, but as a way of showing up with intention and grace, even in the hard seasons.

Now I share our story, the lessons we learned, the small changes that made a big difference, and how I'm moving forward. My hope is to make wellness feel more approachable, less overwhelming, and rooted in real life — especially for anyone who wants healthier options without pressure or perfection.

If you’re here to find what actually works for you, you’re in the right place.

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