Hi Teresa ,

As the days shorten and the air turns crisp, September gently reminds us that life is always moving through seasons. Leaves begin to change, harvests are gathered, and rhythms shift. And grief doesn’t follow a calendar. It can feel heavy in a season of lightness, or strangely quiet in a time of change.

If you’ve noticed your grief stirring as the seasons shift, know that this is not a step backward, it’s a natural rhythm of the heart. Just as farmers gather the fruit of what was planted months ago, you too may be carrying the seeds of healing that were sown earlier this year. Small steps of courage, moments of rest, seeking support, or simply showing yourself compassion, these are seeds worth harvesting.

Take a moment to reflect:

• What small changes or moments of strength have I experienced since the beginning of the year?
• Which daily rituals like prayer, gratitude, affirmations help anchor me in God’s love when grief feels unpredictable?
• What do I long to “harvest” this fall … peace, rest, or connection?

Even the smallest sprouts of growth are evidence that God is at work in you.

A Note on Suicide Awareness

September is also National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. For those touched by loss through suicide, I see you. The grief is layered with questions and unique pain, yet the need for compassion, hope, and understanding is the same.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember there is help available. You can dial 988 to connect immediately with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

And hold on to this promise:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

                                            Click to Listen

Self-Reflection Checklist

Here’s a simple tool to help you notice what season your heart may be in right now:

☐ I find it hard to focus or concentrate on everyday tasks.
☐ I feel emotionally numb or disconnected from my feelings.
☐ I’m more irritable or reactive than usual—even over small things.
☐ I feel overwhelmed by decisions, even simple ones.
☐ I feel isolated or misunderstood in my grief.
☐ I carry anger or frustration that I don’t always understand.
☐ I feel hopeless about the future.
☐ I long for steadiness but often feel confused or unsettled.
☐ I’ve noticed small moments of growth or strength that surprise me.
☐ I want to create more rituals of prayer, gratitude, or affirmation in my daily life.

Which boxes did you check? This is not a test, it’s simply an invitation to pause, notice, and give yourself grace for where you are right now.

If you read through this and felt a tug on your heart, please know this: you don’t have to walk this road alone. Sometimes the bravest step we can take is reaching out, whether for ourselves or for someone we love. Healing is not a straight line, and it becomes lighter when carried together.

Upcoming Opportunities for Support and Healing

Grief Resilience Series: From Loss to Light – O’Fallon Public Library Series
Join Kelly Calloway  and I this fall for a four-part workshop series designed to bring compassion, tools, and hope as we navigate grief together. We’ll meet once a month (September–December), each session focusing on a unique theme.

P.S. If you’ve been longing for a gentle space where your grief can be acknowledged and held, this series is for you. Come as you are, you don’t have to carry it alone.   More Details  

Grief Recovery Method Group Program
This 8-week program is a proven, evidence-based process that helps you move beyond the pain of loss. Together, we’ll create a safe space for you to release what weighs heavy and discover freedom in healing. The cost is $500 and includes the Grief Recovery Method book.

P.S. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting, it means making space for life again. If your heart is ready, this program offers a proven path forward.    More Details  

2^nd Annual Emotional Freedom After Loss Retreat – November 14–16, 2025
At Toddhall Retreat & Conference Center, Columbia, IL
A restorative weekend to step away, breathe deeply, and receive the support your heart longs for. Through guided practices, community, and faith-centered rituals, you’ll experience renewal and find hope for what’s ahead.

P.S. Imagine giving yourself a weekend to simply breathe, rest, and receive. The retreat is your invitation to step away from the noise and into renewal. More Details  

If your heart feels ready, I invite you to take the next step and join one of these spaces. You don’t have to do this alone.

Share Hope With Someone You Know

If someone comes to mind as you read this perhaps a friend, neighbor, or family member who’s navigating a season of loss, please consider forwarding this to them. You never know how much a gentle word of hope can mean.

My prayer for you this month is that you feel steady in God’s presence, even when your world feels uncertain. May His peace guard your heart and His love remind you—you are seen, you are held, and you are never alone.

 Hope and Healing,

Teresa Reiniger

Grief Specialist with Living After Grief

 “My mission is to work with compassionate grieving women to navigate their path of grief, fostering resilience and finding clarity and understanding in their journey. My role as a Grief  Specialist is to support them in reclaiming their freedom to live fully and to cultivate a deeper sense of trust in themselves as they move through the healing process."

When you are ready, here are a few more ways I can empower you on your grief journey:

Book a Hope Exploration Session:

During this session we will:

• Assess Where You Are Currently:  Understand where you are right now and identify the emotional triggers that are holding you.
• Clarify Your Desires and Vision: Clarity and Understanding to live your life fully while honoring your loved one.
• Explore Collaboration: If I'm confident that I can help you, I’ll share how we can work together to achieve your goals.

Sound good? Click the link to schedule a time to talk.

Book A Call:

You can check out my podcast: Female Voice: Life & Loss. Our podcast is dedicated to women from all walks of life, providing a supportive and encouraging platform that addresses the various challenges they face. We aim to offer compassionate guidance, share diverse stories, and equip listeners with practical advice and resources to help them grow, heal, and thrive through every stage of their journey.

Podcast Click Here: