On Her Way - with Grief and Loss by Beryl Botman

Psychic Encounters

Going public with my psychic encounters is challenging because it might be a touchy subject in some communities, including the ones I live in. Glad, though to share such valuable insights into myself, parts of me I would otherwise be unaware of and mostly confirming readings into my life situation. Psychic encounters brought affirmation, new direction, a sense satisfaction and connectedness beyond the here and now. Peace.

Shall I Love Again?

At first and for a long time, love interests, other than the love lost, seems unimaginable. It takes real courage to open oneself up again for new possibilities and this might not come without it’s own complications. Opening up exposes one’s vulnerability, you have to protect yourself and at the same time try not to expect to find another Russel.

The Love I "Lost"

The death of my beloved, my love confused my understanding of love. The death of my beloved, the love of my life, confused my understanding, my knowledge and experience of this love.   The feedback to my book further moved me into rethinking love in its new form.

Releasing the Pain and Sorrow

The beginning of a new year might be as good a time any to consider how to consciously release your pain and sorrow.  Dig deep inside yourself to get in touch and let the inner you flow. Be creative and let it go.

The Firsts

Is the first year of grief really the worst? Remembering and feeling the physical absence on all your significant days can be really traumatic. Days of celebration, remembrance and sadness continues throughout the first year. Does it stop or even just get better thereafter if you lean into them?

Health Matters

You are responsible for your own well being. You don’t only have to take extra care of your health for the period immediately after your loss to see you through the most critical period but it should be a longterm commitment. Health matters not only includes your body but also your mind, emotions and spirit. Pay all of these your attention and take care of yourself.

Money, Money, Money

Suddenly so many people have much to say about your money.  Making considered decisions about how to handle your financial affairs becomes very important especially when you have to take into account that this is what you have to make do with for the rest of your life. Whatever you do, don’t take any advice from those not knowledgable or qualified to do so.

Continuing a Legacy

While busy winding up the late estate and closing down the activities of your beloved, you might be called upon to attend and even participate in events that commemorate his/her/their life. These may find conflicting spaces in your head and heart. Consider them very carefully and seriously. The question is: How do I think my beloved should be remembered?

Estate Matters

The business of your deceased loved one needs to be wound up. Winding up an estate is not only legal and financial matters. It is also deeply emotional . Documents used during one’s lifetime find an all-important place in your life following the death of you beloved. Along with the documents come processes and procedures to be followed or executed. You cannot do this on your own.

Why Am I Doing This?

Upon reflection I see the first week as the most intense, and not the following week as well. Therefore I make a break and speak about the question: Why am I doing this? I reflect on the reasons for my writing process five years after the passing. I explore the reasons for this podcast, after five more years. I explore what has lead me to the decision to write and speak about my grieving process, why writing as an outlet, the planning process and the genre.