**Monday Morning Motivation: 1/2 Hour of P.O.W.E.R with Queen Angela** **Happy Monday!** Welcome to our 2nd Monday in October. Today, as we embark on this 1/2 hour of P.O.W.E.R, I want us to touch on a deeply personal topic—grief. With the holidays approaching, this time of year can be particularly challenging for many of us. Let me share something close to my heart: I am grieving. I miss my brother terribly and at times, I still can't believe he is gone. Grief is a journey, not a destination, and it’s important to acknowledge the phases we may experience. 1. **Denial**: This is often our mind's way of shielding us from the initial shock. We might find it hard to believe the loss has occurred. 2. **Anger**: We may feel frustrated, helpless, or even angry at the person we lost, others, or the situation. 3. **Bargaining**: Here, we might dwell on "what if" statements, hoping to change the reality through our minds. 4. **Depression**: Sadness and regret can settle in as we start acknowledging the loss and its impact on our lives. 5. **Acceptance**: This doesn't mean we're okay with the loss, but we begin to understand that it’s a part of our new reality. Everyone's grief journey is unique, and you might move back and forth between these stages. So, how do we cope? - **Talk About It:** Share your feelings with someone you trust. Speaking your emotions can be cathartic and validating. - **Remember Your Loved One:** Create a memory book, look at pictures, or celebrate their life in a way that feels right for you. - **Self-Care:** Prioritize your physical and emotional health. Gentle exercise, healthy eating, and rest can be powerful. - **Seek Professional Help:** Therapy or joining a support group can offer guidance and comfort. MISSING MY BROTHER, IT HURT SO MUCH!!!! IT'S A DIFFERENT HURT