Finding peace when a seat is empty

Something about the New Year brings a different kind of hope and optimism, but there’s a little pang on your chest silently telling you that you are still waiting for someone to fill a seat at the dining table while your family feasts on media noche.

But then reality hits—you realize they won’t be coming back.

How do people navigate grief through the New Year?

Cut yourself some slack and honor your own healing timeline. If you’re not in the mood for festivities as their memory lingers harder than ever during the holidays, pass on any big celebrations and celebrate on your own terms.

As the calendar flips through January, there’s often pressure to change yourself or your habits. Just as grief and healing are not linear and do not follow a specific timeline, allow yourself to make changes when you are ready.

Remember, welcoming the New Year is not about leaving them behind; it’s about moving forward while carrying their memories with you.Something about New Year brings a different kind of hope and optimism, but there’s a little pang on your chest silently telling you that you are still waiting for someone to fill a seat at the dining table while your family feasts on media noche. 

But then reality hits you, they won’t be coming back. 

How do people navigate grief through the new year? 

Cut yourself some slack and give honor to your own healing timeline. If you’re not in the mood for festivities as their memory lingers harder than ever during Holidays, pass on any big celebrations and celebrate on your own terms. 

As the calendar flips through January, there’s a rise in pressure to change yourself or your habits. Just as grief and healing are not linear and do not follow a specific timeline, allow yourself to make changes when you are conditioned to do so.

Do not forget, welcoming the new year is not about leaving them behind, it’s about moving forward while carrying their memories with you.