#AdventToRemember is a project aimed at anyone grieving over Christmas, and missing a loved one - whoever that may be. It was born from our first Christmas after Leo died, when we shared our Advent project for him on our blog. We decided to soften the pain, to do something everyday in his name, whether … Continue reading Grieving this Christmas? Discover #AdventToRemember and its Wonderful Community
Craving Stillness – an Opportunity to Reflect and Restore Thanks to the Teddy’s Wish Retreat
Back in Summer, I saw a Facebook post from the charity Teddy's Wish, about a retreat for bereaved parents. I instantly put my name forward. I didn't even really consider what would be involved. I just knew that I wanted to go. For me, one of the biggest challenges in parenting after loss is time. … Continue reading Craving Stillness – an Opportunity to Reflect and Restore Thanks to the Teddy’s Wish Retreat
You Do Not Need to Face it Alone | Karen, from Petals Charity for the #ItStillTakesAVillageBlogSeries
I’m Karen Burgess the CEO of Petals, the baby loss counselling charity. I am also the founder, having set up Petals in 2011 – I am a counsellor by training and have been working with maternity services for 10 years.
Swinging Between Trees and Dangling at Height – Igniting My Lion Heart
A short blog on our Go Ape Adventure as part of our Ignite Your Lion Heart Challenge – first posted at http://www.igniteyourlionheart.wordpress.com
When I started to think up the idea of Ignite Your Lion Heart, it developed from the idea of me doing Go Ape.
Ever since we started fundraising for baby loss charities, I knew it would be the thing that, for me, would be beyond challenging. I’m not a runner, I can’t ride a bike – so whilst tackling the norms of a run or bike ride would still be a challenge, Go Ape would be full of fear and apprehension. Really full of it.
Just looking at the YouTube videos made me cry. The idea of doing it seemed so far from ever being possible, so I needed to surround it with a bigger project. It couldn’t just me be pushing myself this far, I’d never do it alone so I needed to drag others in for the ride too…!
I bit the bullet, and booked it and then…
View original post 715 more words
When Its No Longer Just Grief.
I've spoken in brief about my own mental health on my Instagram lately, and I thought it was time to bring the conversation over here. Especially when many people echo back me too whenever it is spoken about. Roughly, since Leo should have turned two in January, I've found a distinct shift in my emotions. Something has … Continue reading When Its No Longer Just Grief.
What Are You Doing Here?
Recently, I've noticed that I'm struggling to process the events surrounding Leo's death, his pregnancy and his birth. Since his second birthday, there are things that I can't seem to look past, and the peace that I had gained about it all, has unravelled. I've noticed how its eating into my own self-esteem and confidence, … Continue reading What Are You Doing Here?
#StillATaboo – When You Go On Live TV…
The Internet gives us all a voice. A much louder, more heard voice than what we would have without it. Social media is a fantastic way to spread a message - whatever it is - and connect with people who either are spreading a similar message, or who just blow your mind that they bother … Continue reading #StillATaboo – When You Go On Live TV…
Normalising Stillbirth and Challenging Attitudes with Channel 5 News
Tomorrow night, I'll be on live television (please do not swear) alongside other families and professionals, discussing attitudes and support following stillbirth. I'm honoured to have been asked whilst at the same time trying to ignore the whole 'live television' aspect of it all. It'll all be alright on the night, right? The programme is particularly … Continue reading Normalising Stillbirth and Challenging Attitudes with Channel 5 News
“You are So Brave, I Just Don’t Know How You Do It”
There are many things that many, many people say to you once your baby has died. I should imagine that they are familiar to many people who walk their days without their child - but also others who have experienced trauma or bereavement, of any kind. "You are so brave" Brave adjective ready to face and … Continue reading “You are So Brave, I Just Don’t Know How You Do It”
Less Berating, More Celebrating – Changing my Mindset to Self-Care
This time, two years ago, I started my own project of #100DaysOfWellbeing with the aim of doing something every day to care for myself, and heal physically and mentally. It gave me such a good focus to get up and out (or in if needs be) and do something for me, and my recovery after Leo … Continue reading Less Berating, More Celebrating – Changing my Mindset to Self-Care
The Legacy of Leo 