You’re probably reading this and thinking “Wow – is that rEaLlY Sharing Solace posting again!?!?” You’re not imagining things, it’s really me…and yes, I’ve been awfully quiet for a while…
Not because (my) grief stopped existing {gaw, I wish!}
Not because I ran out of things to say {we all know that’s not gonna happen…}
And, DEFINITELY not because I stopped caring!
I’ve been away because (for all intents and purposes) I’m just one human running a mission that’s bigger than my little calendar. I had to make a choice: ‘push through’ to continue to show up – but unauthentically and more half-heartedly…just going through the motions OR unplug, recharge, regroup, refill, and come back reinvigorated.
Every fiber and aura of my being was exhausted {the kind that sleep just doesn’t cure} and I was deflated from perceived failure and rejection. It reminded me of this quote:
So, I took the advice I often give to others…and rested…
Where I’ve been & what I’ve been doing:
Honestly? I thought ‘slowing down to speed up’ just might work.
- Keeping up with the day to day Sharing Solace stuff – you know, answering the important emails, making phone calls, and sending out our keepsakes to those that need them. Being the person in charge of everything can be a lot…
- My personal life didn’t get to hit pause – the hubby was given the opportunity to take a mid-career sabbatical, which was an absolute blessing for everyone. And also, change is hard, and scary, and unknown, and grieve-able…even when the change is positive.
- Traveling – I definitely subscribe to the ‘changes in latitude, changes in attitude’ theory. Getting out of my routine and experiencing different places and cultures always reminds me where I come from and what I have.
- Grieving – 2026 should-have-been a big year in my family’s life: Madelyn should be getting her drivers license and becoming less dependent on me (another grieve-able offense). Instead, a very important new person came into my life…who has a daughter Madelyn’s age. Understanding and sitting with all of these emotions has actually been a lot more than anticipated.
- Reconnecting with my ‘most importants’ – friends, family {my nephews!}, hobbies, passions, motivations…getting back to my true self and what makes me uniquely Crystal…
- Taking charge of my (mental) health – a couple of years ago I broke both of my ankles in a ridiculously freak (completely avoidable) accident. I was laid up for months unable to really move in any meaningful way. That event taught me two important things:
- Physical movement and strength are important…but not only in the traditional ‘look good naked’ way. Movement and working out played a huge role in my mental wellbeing too (endorphins, dopamine, cortisol, etc.)
- My mental health had been snowballing…and I was no longer able to handle it by myself. New therapies, a new diagnosis, and [most importantly] the realization that ‘this ISN’T what everyone is going through’ and allowing myself some patience and grace…and reminding myself I deserve those things in the long-term too.
Since then, and more specifically recently, I’ve made movement (through reformer Pilates) and checking in with myself while reminding myself of my limitations and the ‘structural uniqueness’ of my brain a daily priority
- Learning and reading – I’ve found my love of reading again – fiction and non-fiction. I’ve already read more in the last 8 weeks than I did in all of 2025! And, I’m really excited to use some of that in Sharing Solace’s work going forward {Dan Brown’s new book was good but isn’t really applicable here…}
- Building – I was given the opportunity, last fall, to present to the Kansas Funeral Directors about the nuances of child and infant death – and how to best support the families they serve with those specific needs (along with why it is a smart business decision). Little did I know just how unprepared many funeral homes are and how much they want guidance. From that, I’ve had the chance to do additional speaking, teaching, and consulting. {There will be a whole ‘nother post on this coming soon!}
Why I’m coming back now {and why I’m making a point to share my absence}:
Mostly, because I’VE MISSED YOU – and I’ve missed being fully engrossed in this meaningful work. I believe Sharing Solace’s unique voice on grief and loss needs to be in this world…especially now.
And, much like grief support – better late than never…and owning up to your behavior and doing something (anything?) is better than not. So here I am, heart in my hands, saying I took a break to rest – not quit – and I am back because this is where my passion lies.
What you can expect:
In short; honest, irreverent, truthful tools…with my signature style of snark. Y’all know I’ve never been super great at constant – but I’m really focusing on consistent. That means:
- Showing up online – even if that does mean a little ‘lurky’ by not posting as much and watching from the shadows. But I’ll be there – always a call or click away 💗
- Regular articles and newsletters – I intend to write 2 articles and send 2 newsletters each month {1 of each focusing on grievers themselves and the professionals who support them…so I will probably only show up once a month in your inbox 😉 }
- Practical grief support tips and tools – for those that are grieving and for those who love and support them 🧰
- Continued community stories, reminders, and outreach – more than anything, we all need to remember we’re not alone on this journey…and we’re not ‘doing grief wrong’… ❤️🩹
Thank you, again, for being on this journey with me. I look forward to continuing forward together.
