An interfaith support group for separated, divorced, widowed and single adults in the Greater Boston Area.  We meet 52 weeks a year.

An Expanded View of Grieving
by Jay Uhler

There are many experiences of loss that we don't think of as grief events.

For eighteen years, New Beginnings interfaith, singles group has been known as a safe place for people who are separated, divorced or widowed to gain insight and support to go through their grieving process.  New Beginnings is not as well known for assisting people with other losses that have similar emotions and can be just as difficult - even traumatic.

Some of these losses are the death of a parent, the death or loss of a close friend, the death or disappearance of a pet.  Other grief situations that may not seem as significant are loss of a job, failure to receive a promotion, moving from one location to another, retirement, children leaving home for college, the military or to get married, and others that you may think of when you begin to explore your life events with this perspective.

Getting married?  Yes it can be a joyous event, yet the emotions that occur with other losses can also be present around the time of a wedding.  Have you heard someone say, "I'm going to a funeral.  Oops, I mean a wedding."  Well, it's no accident when that kind of slip occurs.

If you think about it, high school graduation has all the makings of a funeral with the loss of friends, teachers, familiar activities and the new life and responsibilities that are in the unknown future.

Both of these examples can be a significant loss for parents.

As you have read these thoughts, have any events come to mind that you never considered as grief situations?  If so and you would like to understand your experiences with new clarity or receive support to deal with those losses, come join us at New Beginnings.  You may also know of friends who would benefit from the caring that New Beginnings provides.  Please mention our group to them.

It is constantly rewarding to us at New Beginnings to see people move through their grief experiences to fulfilling lives with a renewed spirit of joy and fulfillment.

Jay Uhler is a Clinical Psychologist and Minister from North Andover, MA

*****     *****     *****

© 2007 New Beginnings of Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 

Do these thoughts sound familiar?

If you feel alone and you are trying to cope with the emotions of loss or grief, then New Beginnings could be for you.

Come Join Us!