Rise and Grind

Miss-U-Gram ®️

8 months ago

Grief Reflection Newsletter

by Patricia D. Freudenberg

There’s something sacred about the morning. A stillness. A truth. A beginning. In seasons of grief—especially in the early onset or within the first year—we become acutely aware of our mornings. It’s when the firsts hit hardest: the first birthday without them, the first holiday, the anniversary of their passing. These mornings aren’t just days on a calendar—they’re reminders of the love we carry and the absence we feel.

This concept is explored in Chapter 4: Morning for Mourning from my book, Live Your Legacy: A New Spin on Mourning. In this chapter, I reflect on how the word morning shares a profound connection with mourning. We rise—often with the weight of sorrow—and must decide where we’ll put our energy. This is the grind of healing.

“Rise and Grind” isn’t just a motivational phrase for hustling through a to-do list. In grief recovery, it’s a mantra of momentum. It’s about choosing—yes, choosing—to mentally, emotionally, or spiritually show up. The way we start our day can color everything that follows. That sacred window of awakening offers us a chance to reframe our pain, breathe in renewal, and gently, intentionally, move forward.

Even on hard days, this rise-and-grind moment can plant a seed of healing. It doesn’t have to bloom today, but it sets the tone for what may grow tomorrow.

Fun Fact: The 17-Second Rule Did you know that holding a focused thought for just 17 seconds can begin to shift your emotional state? According to teachings popularized by Abraham Hicks, this brief period of concentrated thought can initiate a momentum of manifestation, aligning your energy with your intentions.

Share: