Here are 10 affirmations from my book, 101 Affirmations to Ease Your Grief Journey, available from Amazon.

  • As I reconcile my losses, I give myself permission to say no to things I do not want to do.
  • Sorrow gives new—and surprising—meaning to my life.
  • When I think of sorrow, I think of it as a sacred experience and place.
  • Down days don’t defeat me; they are an opportunity to feel better tomorrow.
  • I have promises to keep to my deceased loved one, myself, and my life.
  • Despite the pain, the one-year anniversary of my loved one’s death proves I am a survivor.
  • I give myself permission to laugh and am refreshed by it.
  • Writing my grief story is a way to honor my life and loved one.
  • Words are powerful and I let the words I write empower me.
  • Each morning I awaken with a sense of purpose.

Harriet Hodgson

Harriet Hodgson has been a freelancer for 43 years, is the author of thousands of articles, and 42 books, including 10 grief resources. She is Assistant Editor of the Open to Hope website, a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists, Alliance of Independent Authors, Minnesota Coalition for Grief Education and Support, and Grief Coalition of Southeastern Minnesota. She is well acquainted with grief. In 2007 four family members died—her daughter (mother of her twin grandchildren), father-in-law, brother (and only sibling) and the twins’ father. Multiple losses shifted the focus of Hodgson’s work from general health to grief resolution and healing. She has appeared on more than 185 radio talk shows, including CBS Radio, and dozens of television stations, including CNN. In addition to writing for Open to Hope, Hodgson is a contributing writer for The Grief Toolbox website and The Caregiver Space website. A popular speaker, she has given presentations at The Compassionate Friends national conference, Bereaved Parents of the USA national conference, and Zoom grief conferences. Her work is cited in Who’s Who of American Women, World Who’s Who of Women, Contemporary Authors, and other directories. For more information about this busy grandmother, great grandmother, author, and speaker please visit www.harriethodgson.com.

More Articles Written by Harriet