Choose Connect Communicate Grief Model

 

Good Morning,

 I'm still taking Jan Davidson's Grief Life Coaching Certification on Transformation Academy.

Today, I am going to cover "The Choose Connect Communicate Grief Model". 

 Let's break down each of the parts of this model to look at them separately.

https://hopeduringloss.com/2023/03/14/practicing-the-3-cs-of-grief-choose-connect-communicate/

Choose:

I made choices from the time of the loss of my son to this very day of writing this blog. Some of these choices are big, like what to do with his things, to making choices of what his brother and I will have for dinner.

Here are some interesting links on choices:

https://whatsyourgrief.com/the-choice-point-becoming-one-small-step-at-a-time/

 Choose – finding healthy ways to cope

When children grieve, they need to learn that feelings are normal — but what we do with those feelings matters.
Teach them to choose healthy ways to express sadness, anger, or confusion:

• Drawing or coloring to show emotions
• Talking with someone they trust
• Taking deep breaths or spending time outdoors
• Doing something kind for others or in memory of their loved one

These small choices give children a sense of control when life feels uncertain.

https://thelossfoundation.org/what-are-the-3-cs-of-grief-for-children/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/good-mourning/202012/the-choice-we-make-about-grief?msockid=05696a6a6cb962fa10a97fc66d32631c

The second piece is CONNECT:

I was telling a dear friend of mine yesterday that I've had the privilege to reconnect with many of my son's friends, teachers, coworkers, and mine during this loss. This has also allowed me the opportunity to reconnect with trusted counselors, a financial advisor,  an estate lawyer, grief support groups, and many friends who have traveled my same journey. 

https://www.ourhouse-grief.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Maintaining-Your-Connection-and-Meaning-Making.pdf

https://bereavementcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Grief-and-The-Mind-Body-Connection.pdf

Maintain Connection

Maintaining connections during grief and loss is crucial for healing and support. Here are some ways to maintain connections:

• Engage in activities that honor the memory of the deceased: This can include volunteering, donating, or participating in events that reflect the person's interests or causes they supported. 

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• Create new traditions: Establishing new routines or rituals can help individuals feel connected to their loved ones and the world around them. 

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• Seek support from friends and family: Sharing memories and experiences with loved ones can provide comfort and a sense of togetherness. 

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• Communicate openly: Sharing feelings and thoughts with others can help alleviate feelings of isolation and provide emotional support. 

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• Participate in social activities: Joining support groups or attending gatherings can help individuals feel included and supported during difficult times. 

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  These strategies can help individuals navigate the emotional challenges of grief and loss, fostering connections and support that are essential for healing.
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•  Connect – staying close to others and to memories

  Grief can make a child feel isolated or different from their friends. Encourage them to connect — both with caring people and with the person who has died.
  Connection might look like:

  • Sharing stories and photos together
  • Keeping a special memory box
  • Spending time with friends or relatives who make them feel safe
  • Joining a bereavement support group for children

  Connection reminds children they’re not alone and that love continues, even after death.

• https://thelossfoundation.org/what-are-the-3-cs-of-grief-for-children/
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• https://www.griefincommon.com/assets/Grief-Experience-Workbook-of-Tools.pdf
• The final Component of this model is Communication:
• It seems like I've been communicating with the world! I've been on the phone, I've been online, I've been in person, I've filled out so many forms! I've been in Groups. I've talked one on one. I've talked to businesses. I've talked to family. I've talked to friends. I've talked to strangers that offered to do a good deed. The list of communication and how it has grown and how I've learned from it in this grief journey is exponential.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCgK7pTZUjc

https://www.yourjourneythrough.com/blog/how-to-communicate-your-grief

https://www.centerforinformedgrief.com/post/navigating-grief-informed-communication

https://www.thesilentwhy.com/post/howtotalktothegrieving

 Communicate – talking about feelings

Children may struggle to find the right words for grief, so create safe opportunities to communicate in ways that suit them.
You can say:
“It’s okay to talk about them whenever you want.”
“What do you miss most about them?”

For children who find words difficult, offer alternatives: drawing, music, journaling, or role-play. Every act of communication helps release emotion and builds emotional understanding.

https://thelossfoundation.org/what-are-the-3-cs-of-grief-children

This model really tells my grief, awareness, hope, and recovery story. I'm grateful for this topic and the support I continue to experience. I continue to walk alongside the "authentic you".

Laura