When Do I Get a Break?

Today!

Why does it feel like you never get a break from grieving? When grief takes on a life of its own and shadows your every waking moment, how do you get out of the grieving "pool" and come up for a breath of fresh air?

The key to this dilemma is to understand whether you need a break from grieving or a break from the tasks associated with grieving. Sometimes, the difference can be subtle and difficult to separate. So today, take a break from both:

No writing thank you notes today

No cleaning out the closet

No taking care of the paperwork

No making list of things to do

No talking about the hardship

Instead – go to a movie, sit in the sun, read a trashy book or magazine, eat comfort foods, go for a walk or just hang out in your favorite chair.

-365 days

You Are Stronger Than You Think!

Just as we say kids are resilient, so are adults. There will be days where getting out of bed might be all the strength you can muster. But somehow you rally. And you continue to rally day after day working your way through the pain and making sense of the loss. Then one day you reach a point when you look in the mirror and say – I am so much stronger than I ever thought I was.

-365 Days

Planning a trip in Illinois and Iowa and taking your pet?

Check out these local pet-friendly activities and/or businesses in the Quad Cities and the surrounding areas:

Pet Bakeries

Treats on a Leash - Ames
Brau Haus - Amana Colonies
Woofables - Coralville
Freddy's Fritters - Davenport
Buddy Gourmet - Clinton
Smokin' Joes Gourmet Treats - Sioux City

Pet-Friendly Restaurants

Penny's Noodle Shop - Chicago
Riva - Chicago
Dixie Kitchen and Bait Shop - Lansing, IL
Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House - Naperville
D&J Bistro - Lake Zurich, IL
Firehouse Bar & Grill - Davenport
Bluebird Diner - Iowa City
Big Dave's & Holly - LeClaire

Pet-Friendly Adventures and Activities

Cache River Basin Vineyards and Winery - Belknap, IL
Pride of the Fox Riverfest - St. Charles
Wooded Wonderland Country Store and Sawmill - Galena
Galena Trolley Tours - Galena
Starved Rock Adventures - Ottawa, IL
Lynfred Winery - Roselle
Shoreline Sightseeing - Chicago
Galena Cellars Winery and Vineyard - Galena
Quad City River Bandits - Bark In the Park - Every Sunday
Village Vinter Brewery - Algonquin, IL
Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery - Springfield
Whiner Beer Company - Chicago
Two Brother's Brewing - Warrenville, IL
Moraine Park Dog Beach - Highland Park, IL
Evanston Dog Beach - Evanston, IL
Montrose Dog Beach - Chicago
Centennial Park - Winnetka, IL

Pet Groomer's and Doggie Spas

Alexis' Doggie Spa, LLC - Geneseo
Myrna's Dog Grooming - Geneseo
Freddy's Fritters - Davenport
Pampered Pets - Bettendord
American Dog - Moline
D.O.G. & Friends - Moline
The Bubble Tub - Moline
Uptown Hound - Moline
Extreme Clean Car Wash/Dog Wash - Self Serve - Moline

Pet-Friendly Lodging

Hotel Blackhawk - Davenport
Hyatt House - Moline
AmericInn - Moline
LaQuinta Inn - Moline
Super 8 - LeClaire

Who is your angel?

This is the special person who is looking over your shoulder during these difficult days. The caring, loving person is one you can share whatever is on your mind; and they won’t think you are about to jump off the bridge. This individual will not judge your decisions, tell you how you should feel or tell you it is time to get over the loss.

You may have multiple angels in your life fulfilling different needs and comforting you in a variety of ways. The individual is always present in your life and saying the right things at the right time, the things you really need to hear.

Your angel may be a family member, friend, co-worker, distant relative, neighbor or God -- a guiding light helping you find your way down your special grief journey.

If you don’t have an angel, find one! If you do, embrace and trust them as they will guide you.

-365 Days

#whoseyourangel #angelsamongus

https://digital-photography-school.com/photography-funeral-tastefully-respect/

http://www.talkofalifetime.org/

Good Grief!!!

When mourning the loss of someone special we often find the need to step outside the circle of our immediate family and friends for support. Spending time with people who are walking a similar walk can provide insight and assistance in a different way than people who are close to you.

Support groups can be found in your area by contacting hospitals, hospices, or religious affiliations. Additional support is available on the internet through personal blogs and online chat rooms.

Find a group where you find a connection to the people attending as well as the programs they offer. Whether the group meets in person or online, talking to others will provide encouragement and assistance.

Please feel free to visit our website for additional information, https://www.funeralhosting.com/hfv/grief-support, or contact one of the services listed below:

Genesis Spiritual Care Group
(563) 421-7970
www.genesishealth.com/services/spiritual_care

Unity Point Health
(309) 779-7285
www.unitypoint.org/homecare/generalinformation-about-grief

Gilda's Club (563) 326-7504
www.gildasclubqc.org

#365daysofgrief