Whether this year stretched you or softened you, take a moment to pause, remember, and let light guide your heart toward peace.

Hi Teresa,

As December arrives, I just want to take a quiet moment to reach out.
Maybe you’ve been part of this Living After Grief community all year walking with me through each season of healing or maybe this is your first time opening one of my newsletters.

Wherever you are on your journey, I want you to know this: you’re not alone.

The final month of the year often invites both stillness and reflection. The nights stretch longer, and the quiet of winter can stir memories some tender, some heavy. For those walking through grief, this season may feel like standing between darkness and dawn. Yet, even in that in-between space, light finds a way to reach us. A flicker of hope. A gentle memory. The warmth of someone’s kindness. Light does not erase the dark; it simply reminds us that the dark will not last forever.

The holidays can bring so many emotions at once — love, laughter, tears, longing, and sometimes deep sadness. The world sparkles with lights, and music however your heart may feel dim. And yet, somehow, even the smallest light still finds its way in.

Finding Light in the Darkness

Light has always carried deep meaning of hope, love, faith, and remembrance.

When we light a candle, share a story, or whisper a loved one’s name, we’re not only remembering, we’re connecting.

If this season feels heavy, here are a few gentle ways to honor your loved one.

• Light a candle and whisper their name.
• Play their favorite song while you cook or wrap gifts and let a memory warm your heart.
• Hang one ornament that represents your love, not your loss.
• Share one story around the table, a memory that brings both tears and laughter.
• Attend or host a small Light of Remembrance gathering — even if it’s just you, a cup of tea, and a whispered prayer.

Each act of love reminds your heart that connection never ends. Love doesn’t disappear; it changes form. It becomes the quiet comfort that reminds you they’re still with you, always.

Reflecting on the Year: Looking Back, Moving Forward

Before you step into the new year, take time to look at how far you’ve come.
Even if your heart is still healing, I promise, growth has been happening quietly underneath it all.
You’ve kept going on days that felt impossible. You’ve shown courage in simply getting out of bed.
You’ve been learning to live again slowly, tenderly, and bravely.

Take a breath and reflect with me:

• What have I learned about myself this year?
• What am I ready to release as the year closes?
• What do I want to carry into the new chapter?
• Where did I notice small moments of light?

Be gentle in your reflection. Healing is not linear, and growth often hides inside the slow, unseen moments. Remember: every step you’ve taken this year has been a testament to your strength even the smallest spark of gratitude or growth matters. Healing often happens in the quiet places no one sees.

                                            Click to Listen

End-of-Year Heart Healing Checklist

Here’s a simple checklist you might keep nearby this month:

• Create one ritual of remembrance.
• Write down 3 things (or people) you’re grateful for.
• Give yourself permission to rest; physically, emotionally, spiritually.
• Speak kindness to yourself daily.
• Release guilt for what didn’t get done because healing takes time.
• Keep space for hope even if it’s faint.
• Light a candle for hope and let it remind you that your story isn’t over.

3 Opportunities for Healing and Connection

#1   Holiday Healing Circle

If you’ve been missing connection or craving space to breathe and reflect, join me for the Holiday Healing Circle held on Saturday mornings this month virtually.

Together, we’ll share stories, honor our loved ones, and find gentle ways to move through this season with faith, grace, and peace.
You can join anytime—whether your loss is recent or years behind you, your heart belongs here.

➡️ Register Here

#2   Grief Resilience Series: From Loss to Light – O’Fallon Public Library Series in O'Fallon, IL
A compassionate space to reflect, share, and learn practical ways to navigate the season ahead.

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  

#3   Grief Recovery Method support groups are forming and starting in Collinsville, IL and St Louis in January. Reach out if you are interested or have questions.

 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: