Comfortdoc on Squidoo

On 9/11 I will be joining Dr. Sally Witt as one of her guests for her blog talk radio show “9/11 Remembrance and Healing with Dr. Sally.”

The show is about continued healing, seven years after the tragic attacks. It is schedule to be a show of love, respect, and remembrance without political discussions.

I am one of the scheduled guests as the Bereavement Specialist, based on the Anniversary Reaction lens that I created on Squidoo. The lens was written to help people understand the Anniversary Reaction and why sometimes remembering isn’t always a happy occasion.

If you want to tune in to hear the show, I am scheduled to be on the show from 3:00 – 3:30 EST, 12:00 – 13:30 PST (My time). It is supposed to be recorded, so I’ll include a link once the file is available.

I’ve updated the Anniversary Reaction – When Remembering Isn’t Always a Happy Occasion lens today on the 11th Anniversary of the unexpected death of Princess Diana.

Her death in 1997 was one of the final factors that inspired me to create the Journey of Hearts website to educate people about grief and loss.

It is interesting to me that in a relatively short period of time starting at the end of August within the span of just a few weeks we experience the Anniversaries of several major deaths:

* The 3rd year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina (August 29, 2005)
* The 11th year anniversary of the death of Princess Diana (August 31, 1997)
* The 2nd year anniversary of the death of Steve Irwin (Sept 4, 2006)
* The 11th year anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa (September 5, 1997)
* The 7th year of September 11th (Sept 11, 2002)

Anniversary dates of a tragic event, the actual date of the death, the birth date of a loved one, holidays or other special occasions are common triggers for an Anniversary reaction or a grief response. An Anniversary reaction or response is a sudden unexpected rush of memories, intense emotions and feelings of grief.

I believe that the more people understand about grief and the normal response, the easier it will be for them to manage grief following a major loss. This holds true for the Anniversary Response.

Photo Source: Brian Lary. Blue Flame. Royalty Free Use.

I’ve updated two lenses related to different types of activities occurring in the month of September.

Remember September Mail Art Project

The Remember September Mail Art Project is now in it’s seventh year of remembering those who had died on September 11, 2001.

This creative, commemorative mail art project was developed by Gail Ellspermann in 2002.

Through the use of art, participants are encouraged to express their feelings and reflect on the September 11th attacks, the heroes, the victims, their patriotism and how everyone’s lives had changed. This project is an excellent example of using creativity to cope with a major life changing event.

Find out more about the project, see some of the examples and discover how to participate in the project and make your own mail art on the lens page.

Steptember

September is America On the Move’s national month long celebration highlighting the benefits of active living and healthy eating. Steptember is A Celebration of Being Active and Healthy Eating.

The goal of Steptember is to get everyone to experience how small, simple changes can add up to a healthier lifestyle and healthy weight for life.

Find out how you can get involved with Steptember on the lens.

Image Source: Remember September 2004. Collection of Submissions.