Three years ago around this time, someone I cared for deeply entered hospice and a weeklong end-of-life process that was dignity-rendering, yet leaking with sadness.
I stood the course with my beloved older brother on his journey toward death, knowing that he would want no pity, and if possible, he would have been spitting wisecracks at every turn, while declaring that life is to be enjoyed and celebrated.
With that in mind, as we race toward Christmas, or celebrate Hanukkah or countdown to the New Year, I share this wisdom borne from losing someone dear (in particular during the holidays) to remind us that one of the best ways to honor our loved ones is to keep on living, and to do so with intentional joy and hopefulness.
Here are a few ways that I’ve personally leaned into:
Love on yourself more, just because.
Tell others what they mean to you while you can (I have and I regularly do).
Cry when you feel like it.
Laugh every chance you get.
Forget about yesterday’s grudges.
Love those who love you back.
Be kind to those whose rudeness often means they need more kindness.
Challenge yourself to leave everyone better than you found them – with what you say and what you don’t; by how you share and where you set boundaries; and by giving with no expectation of reciprocity.
Let your heart break. The only way through grief is through.
Say Thank You – for everything.
Because every breath you take, every day you get to experience, and every person who crosses your path is in some way a gift.
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Still Unfolding with Stacy Hawkins Adams 