The Beatitudes

Legacy Café Grief Recovery Newsletter, written by Patricia D. Freudenberg, Certified End-of-Life Coach

A Reflection on Being

This newsletter is for you, the griever—the person who is still in the land of the living. Today I want to reflect on who you are being in the present moment.

It may seem obvious: “Patty, I don’t need you to tell me how I’m being—I already know.” But let me ask you: do you really?

What I mean by the Beatitudes is this:

When you catch yourself being, that is an attitude.

If you are being sad, that is an attitude.

If you are being joyful, that is an attitude.

And attitudes are not just accidents—they are choices.

Sometimes, when our subconscious is on autopilot, we fall into default settings. When grief strikes us down and kicks us in the heart, it feels like we’ve lost all control. But here’s the reminder: you do have control. You may need time to rise again, and that’s okay. But when you be, then you can do, and then you can have.

The Power of Choice

Life does not allow us to control every circumstance. Storms come. Loss shakes us. Grief humbles us.

But here is where your power lies:

You can control your inner world.

You can decide how you respond.

You can choose your attitude of being.

This choice—though quiet and subtle—changes how your inner world reflects into the physical realm. And while you remain in the land of the living, this choice is your anchor.

The “Be” in Feelings

Think of the “B” in feelings—B-E. Feelings shift quickly, almost faster than the speed of light. Yet, when you become the captain of your feelings, the shifting becomes a dance rather than a storm.

And if you lift your gaze toward the wisdom of The Beatitudes found in the Bible, you’ll see an invitation to goodness. These timeless reflections remind us that even in mourning, the seeds of blessing and comfort exist.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
(Matthew 5:4)

Even if you begin on a macro level—just allowing your heart to think on these things—you take the first step toward peace.

Quote of the Day

“Your attitude today shapes the comfort you receive tomorrow.” – P.D. Freudenberg

Reflection Prompt

Today, ask yourself:

What attitude am I being right now?

Is it by default, or is it by choice?

Book Recommendation

For further reflection on being and awareness, I recommend my book, Live Your Legacy: A New Spin on Mourning. It’s a gentle, practical guide to seeing grief through the lens of legacy—what you carry forward, even in the midst of sorrow.

Available on Amazon

With care and legacy,
Patricia D. Freudenberg
Certified End-of-Life Coach
Founder & CEO, Miss-U-Gram®

© 2025 Patricia D. Freudenberg. All rights reserved.