Living After Loss

Description

Life can be hard. It can be cruel and demanding, and at times a struggle to even get out of bed. This week, Dr. Venus opens up about the highs and lows that she has been feeling since her brother Tory transitioned on Christmas Eve due to COVID-19. She reminds us that it's okay not to be okay and that everyone's grieving process looks different. When life has knocked you to your knees, how do you keep going? Sometimes, even just the very smallest acts of self-care can have the largest impact on our healing. Join in and be part of the community.

Key Takeaways:

[5:06] Losing a loved one is deeply tragic. The extra trauma from COVID-19 deaths comes with the additional pain of not being able to be in person with our loved one. That extra element of comfort being ripped away can make the grief extremely painful.

[9:33] Everyone grieves differently. Dr. Venus understands that people with previous trauma may have to work a little harder intentionally and consciously staying away from the things that may throw them off track from any progress.

[11:47] It is a particular kind of systemic racism and alienation that keeps poor families more likely to have rifts and bad blood between them. Dr. Venus discusses how she didn't see how much this was the case until she got well.

[13:13] The first step of healing is to tell the truth. Don't pretend you feel good or say you are fine when you are not. If you're hurt, be hurt.

[15:57] Nana, age 75, said 'Always try to focus on the positive' so that is what Dr. Venus is doing. She is giving herself space to grieve but also purposely pouring love on herself in every possible way.

[17:42] The little things can go a long way when you are grieving and it feels like even just normal life can be a struggle. For Dr. Venus, ordering herself healthy meals and continuing with physical activity is huge. Also, putting on the occasional set of pearls, some lipstick, and berets can remind us that we are loved and worthy. Watching movies you love and listening to music that moves you also is healing for the soul.

[20:02] Dr. Venus opens up about her dating life and her desire to feel what it is like to be deeply loved by a Black Man. It may be unchartered territory for her, but she is going in with an open heart.

[23:02] Focus forward on the future and not the past. One way to do this is to immerse yourself in your passions, interests, and goals that create forward momentum.

[25:50] It feels like all the good ones get taken too fast. It doesn't make sense, but Dr. Venus believes we honor the love we have for ourselves and others by moving forward.

[28:00] It's essential to give yourself room to grieve and space to just receive any emotion that comes up.

[29:51] It's a blessing to be able to get up and try again. There is always hope, and when you let the pain win, you turn your back on God. We can honor God by moving forward.

[32:38] We can grieve while we live and do what God has kept us alive to do.

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