how a getaway or what some would call a “grief-cation” could help with my healing.
Dr. Shawnte Jenkins-Alexander is a counseling psychologist. She says that people grieve for various reasons and in various ways, so understanding how a particular loss directly impacts you is key to knowing how you’ll be able to cope.
“For some people, traveling is like a spiritual experience. It puts people in a place of reflection and connecting with God, seeking answers from God and even being angry with God. Giving yourself permission to say what works for you may not work for someone else is important.”
Janice is a caregiver who’s father passed away six years ago. She says that taking a “grief-cation” not only gave her peace and quiet, but it allowed her to purge her feelings of pain without being interrupted.
“I packed up my car and drove to Michigan. I bought wine, food and put my phone on ‘do not disturb’. For years I had been in the caregiver role and taking time away after my dad’s passing helped me to release that role, journal my thoughts and be in a space where I could