Deborah Hanlon

When you can no longer reach for the phone, you can still reach for connection. 🤍

Here are five gentle ways to feel close to someone you love:

1. Use your imagination to help you connect.
Picture sitting beside them. Imagine their expression, their laugh, the way they would say your name. Let imagination open a door without immediately questioning everything you feel.
2. Thank them instead of asking for a sign.
Try, “Thank you for reminding me of your love today.” For me, gratitude is an opening. It shifts our attention from searching for what’s missing to noticing what brings connection.
3. Talk to them in the ordinary moments.
While making coffee. Driving home. Walking outside. Tell them what happened today. You don’t need a ceremony or perfect words to include them in your life.
4. Give yourself a moment of quiet.
Take a breath. Soften your shoulders. You don’t have to force a message. Notice the memory, feeling, or thought that comes, even if all you feel today is the quiet.
5. Stop asking, “Am I making this up?”
You don’t have to settle the meaning of every meaningful moment. A song, a dream, a familiar scent. You can simply say, “That reminded me of you,” and let yourself receive the comfort.

You are not meant to move on. You are meant to move with.

Which one will you try today? 🤍 If this helped you feel a little closer to your person, save it for the days you need that connection. 🤍 Follow me for more gentle ways to move with grief and stay open to love.

#deborahhanlon #GriefSupport #ContinuingBonds #LifeAfterLoss #reassemblingyourself