Feeling Angry? Good! If You’re Grieving, It Just Might Help!

Anger comes with grief, that we know, but it’s often seen as negative, when it can empower us.
Posted on September 30, 2025 by Maria Mocerino Magazine Writer
Woman expressing anger from suffering a loss

Credit: Unsplash.com

Instead of viewing anger as an uncomfortable emotion that is best suppressed, two recent articles argue that it deserves to be recognized as a valuable part of  the grieving— and healing— process.

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Posted in Something Special | 1 Comment

A Portrait Lost and Found

How posing for nude photographs brought me solace in grief
Posted on September 29, 2025 by Aurora Wells (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)
vintage pic of an innocent young girl on a swing before grief from a family death touched her life.

Kate as a young child.
Credit: Unsplash

This is Kate’s story, as told by Aurora Wells, about navigating the death of her beloved grandmother — how acting out of character helped her through grief to “accept my grandmother’s death.” Our “Opening Our Hearts” stories are based on people’s real-life experiences with grief and loss. By sharing these experiences, we hope to help our readers feel less alone in their grief, and ultimately aid them in their healing. 

My grandparents moved to Chicago in the 40’s, but never lost their accents. My dad said my grandma hoarded things because they had led such difficult lives back in Russia—but it was impossible not to laugh when she tried to pawn random junk off on my dad as we packed the car for our drive back to Minnesota.

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27 Hilarious Quotes About Seasons of Life, Aging, and the Passage of Time

A collection of humorous observations on seasons of life, aging, and the passage of time to keep you young at heart
Posted on September 28, 2025 by Chelsea Kirtley
Old Woman laughing to illustrate funny quotes about life and aging

Journalist and author of the influential book, Anatomy of an Illness: As Perceived by the Patient (1979), Norman Cousins held on to humor (and humorous quotes) throughout his experience with a life-threatening illness and documented the positive impact that laughter and humor has on the human psyche. Cousins, who recognized the connection between humor, laughter, and resilience, famously said, “Of all the gifts bestowed by nature on human beings, hearty laughter must be close to the top.” As we face life’s various seasons and the challenges of aging, and add wisdom through the passage of time and gain experience, may we also increase our resilience and enjoyment of life by leaning into humor and humorous quotes and find stress relief in a hearty laugh. These 27 hilarious quotes about seasons of life, aging, and the passage of time will lighten your mood, lift your spirits, and keep you young at heart!

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“The Ones We Couldn’t Be” Music Review: Writing the Ballad Helped Bonnie Raitt Work Through Her Grief

In a heartstring-tugging ballad, Bonnie Raitt touches upon loss, regret and forgiveness.
Posted on September 26, 2025 by Caitlin Manner (Blog Writer) SevenPonds

 

Album Cover of "Dig In Deep, Bonnie Raitt" includes "The Ones We Couldn't Be" a ballad where she worked through her grief

Seasoned singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt has always had a gift for turning heartache into poetry. And her song “The Ones We Couldn’t Be” from her 2016 album “Dig In Deep” is no exception. At the surface, the song is seemingly a tender reflection on love and loss. But listen a little more carefully, and you’ll hear that it carries the weight of regret and grief. Although Raitt’s song sounds as if it could be about a broken affair, the song still resonates with anyone who has lost someone, regardless of whether the loss was through a breakup, distance or death. This was the ballad that helped Bonnie Raitt work through her grief.

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Posted in Expressive Music | Leave a comment

Our Monthly Tip: Honor a Loved One during an Autumn Memorial Reception with a Flower Bar

A seasonal touch can make festive and beautiful table decor for an autumn memorial reception
Posted on September 24, 2025 by Ariana Barnes (Magazine Writer)

 

Autumn Memorial Reception floral display with a Flower Bar of dark wood with dried flowers and grasses glued into a line of holes for a beautiful table arrangement.

Set off your buffet or sit down meal at a celebration of life
with a beautiful display of fall inspired dried flower and grasses.
Credit: Etsy.com

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Posted in Practical Tips | Leave a comment

Understanding the Dying Process

Knowing what a dying body needs and doesn’t need is crucial to providing end of life care
Posted on September 23, 2025 by Tani Bahti (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

A dandelion in seeded form as a metaphor for Understanding the Dying Process

“If I had only known….”

The pain behind those too frequently uttered words is the reason my focus is on educating others about the dying process and all the end-of-life issues that accompany it.

The purpose of this monthly blog will be to demystify the dying process. By understanding the natural wisdom of the body as it goes through these changes, people can be better prepared, have less fear and make more informed decisions regarding care and interventions.

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Posted in Dying Well | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments