This season, you are not failing the holidays because you can’t manufacture cheer on command. In this piece, we explore why grief can feel so sharp in November and December, how to set boundaries with people who “just want you to be happy,” and simple rituals and resources to help you build a holiday that honors your loss instead of erasing it.
One of the hardest truths of end of life, illness, or psychological struggle is the circle of “burden.” A diagnosis, cancer, dementia, or something rare and hard to explain, often comes with a shadow that has nothing to do with the illness itself. That shadow whispers: I am a burden. Even without a dramatic diagnosis,…
By Erika Hall, Death DoulaA reflection on acceptance, presence, and the freedom to feel 🌙 Introduction We talk a lot about grief and dying—but we don’t always talk about the rules we silently place on them. There are expectations. Unspoken checklists. Timelines and tones that we believe should be followed. We measure whether someone is…
IntroductionMy name is Erika Hall, and I’m a Death Doula. I work with individuals and families during one of life’s most vulnerable and sacred times: the transition from life to death. My role is to hold space, offer comfort, and ensure that voices—especially the quiet ones—are heard. At Rosemary Raven Hearth, I support people not…