grief-related stories
Jennifer Connelly's Weight Loss - Grief to Blame
As we told in you in December, Jennifer Connelly has lost an alarming amount of weight in the past little while. The classic beauty has always been petite, but lately she seems to have taken it a bit far. But now it appears there's a reason -- she's going through an intense period or mourning after recently losing her father. When asked about his wife's recent weight loss, Connelly's husband Paul Bettany told reporters: "I will tell you. My wife just lost her father."My heart goes out to Connelly; I also went through the grief diet when my own father passed away, but for me it was opposite -- I sought comfort in food, whereas Connelly seems to be shunning it. Regardless of how one deals with grief, the simple fact is that healing takes time. Lots of it.
Naomi Watts loves jogging
New mom Naomi Watts looks amazing after giving birth to son Alexander in July. What's her secret? She loves to jog. Really, those papparazzi photographers can't get enough of her out and about, running either with her trainer in Brentwood (like in this photo) or with her hubby, Liev Schreiber, in Sydney, Australia (like in this photo.) It's even believed that she ran to work through the pain of ex-boyfriend Heath Ledger's death. I can relate--whereas I used to turn to food when I was feeling upset, I now go for a run and I can tell you, I feel a hundred times better when I do.
Anyway, good for her. Do you feel inspired? I do.
Grief during the holidays
If you're feeling sad or alone this holiday season, please read this article from eDiets. It's a good reminder that though grief is all around us, love and joy are all around us too. our loved ones would want us to be happy at this time of year, and if we let ourselves feel their love, we can be. For me, I talk about those I've loved and lost. I look at old photos. I cry, yes, but I feel their presence more when I do, and that gives me a sense of peace.
How do you cope with the holidays?
The healthy way to deal with rejection
- Step back, and ask yourself if this rejection really matters in the grand scheme of things.
- Don't dwell on it -- move forward and do your best to get over it
- And yet, allow yourself to feel the emotions of rejection, which can be similar to grief. Just know when to pick yourself up and move on.
How to cope after losing a furry friend
Anybody who has ever lost a pet knows that it can be almost, if not as, devastating as losing a human loved one. Sometimes those who aren't huge animal-lovers don't get why you can't just get over the death of a beloved cat or dog, but those of us who have been there definitely know how you're feeling.
It's important to remember that it is OK to feel very sad and to keep in mind that it is completely normal to go through the grieving process. For some people, losing a pet is like losing a best friend and it is appropriate to act accordingly. This article by the Humane Society of the United States suggests that holding a memorial for you pet might be a good idea, as is searching the Internet for support groups.
The piece also gives good advice for seniors whose companion animal has passed away, as well as information on how your other pets will react and how your kids will feel. The most important thing to remember isthat you're not alone and that it's totally OK to be devastated when an animal passes away. Eventually you'll move on, but until then it's fine to take your time to feel better.
Is a speedy rise to fame healthy for little Bindi Irwin?
It's been less than a year since 8-year-old Aussie, Bindi Irwin lost her father, famed wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, in a tragic accident. It seems like ever since the charming youngster has been hard at work. She's got a number of projects on the go including TV specials; she's a tourism ambassador for Australia, she has released a Bindi doll and completed a promotional tour of the United States.
To me, it seems like a lot of work for a kid in general, but especially so for a child who has recently lost a parent. I want to be clear that I am not in any way judging the family or the way in which they have chosen to move forward since the elder Irwin's death. I know that everyone grieves in different ways and I'm sure that Bindi's mother is doing what she knows is best for her child. I have no children of my own and have no idea how I would react in a similar situation so would never judge this, or any other family.
I brought this up because I'm curious to find out what others think. Would those of you with kids allow them such high-profile exposure at such a young age, and after such a traumatic experience? Do you think that the work Bindi is doing will help her stay connected with her late-father? Are there any other opinions out there that you'd like to share?
