This week we have four in-person regular groups, two regular zoom groups, one specialty zoom group and an in person event. Login and location information follow at the bottom of this newsletter.

FOCUSING

I had time, an extra-long weekend. I wanted to snuggle in, turn on the fireplace and read a book that been on my nightstand just waiting to be read. It’s not often I have spare time, so I was looking forward to the quietness and escape that a book brings. But when the moment came, I couldn’t concentrate. I kept picking up my book and putting it down again. I stared at the pages but the words wouldn’t sink in. My mind kept drifting off. Even after all these years grief has a way of making focusing difficult. Something that was just so easy before. It was and is annoying. If you’ve felt this too, you’re not alone. Grief doesn’t have a timeline. It lingers in ways we don’t always recognize. It can show up in the quiet moments when we think we’re finally ready to relax or enjoy something. And when that happens it’s easy to feel frustrated.

But here’s what I’ve learned. Those moments of stillness matter even if they don’t go as planned. It’s okay if you can’t focus or if your heart feels heavy. What matters is that you gave yourself the chance to pause. That’s no small thing.

So if you’ve been struggling with the same… if the holidays, the quiet moments or just getting through everyday feels harder than you expected, know that I see you. And know that other people experience these grief moments too. Be gentle with yourself. Here are some tips to help with focusing while grieving. Do you have some tips share? Post them on our private facebook page.

~ With care

Robyn

Robyn Houston-Bean

Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation

WHAT IF, INSTEAD OF GRIEF

By Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer

Listen to Rosemerry here.

GIVING TUESDAY

As we approach Giving Tuesday, we’re inviting our community to help us continue offering free grief support to those who need it most. Every donation, no matter the size, helps ensure we can provide grief groups, events and resources at no cost. If you’re unable to give, we completely understand and just sharing our mission with others who might want to support us is equally impactful. Or perhaps you would like volunteer instead. Together, we can ensure no one has to face grief alone. GIVE HERE.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

1. BEMIS FARMS EVERGREEN ANGEL WORKSHOP Thursday 12/5/24 6:00-7:30 pm ET SPENCER MA A few spots remain!!! At the workshop, you'll learn how to craft a beautiful evergreen angel perfect for the holiday season ensuring you leave with a stunning creation to decorate your home or give as a thoughtful gift. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make something truly special. Sign up now! As with our previous events, we are requiring a deposit to hold your spot. You will receive the deposit back at the event. If you sign up and do not attend the event without giving us 10 days notice, the deposit is not refundable. We do this to be able to continue to offer events at no cost to you. Thanks for your understanding. Questions? Please contact Aileen Lovejoy: 774-239-1905 aileen@peersupportcommunitypartners.com

2. TREE OF LIFE ARTS & CRAFTS PROJECT Sunday 12/15/24 2:00-3:30 pm ET NORWELL MA At this event, artist Alissa Aronson of Bringing Smiles Unlimited, will guide you in creating your own unique Tree of Life art project using various objects. Alissa is experienced with utilizing arts and crafts as a therapeutic outlet. No previous experience is necessary - just bring your creativity! Materials will be provided, but feel free to bring items such as small pictures or artifacts of your choosing. All ages welcome. Sign up now! As with our previous events, we are requiring a deposit to hold your spot. You will receive the deposit back at the event. If you sign up and do not attend the event without giving us 10 days notice, the deposit is not refundable. We do this to be able to continue to offer events at no cost to you. Thanks for your understanding. Questions? Please contact Natalie Patricio: 774-955-7752 jeepgirl474@gmail.com

3. Continuing Bonds SADOD’s December Pyschoeducational Virtual Workshop Wednesday 12/18/24 5:00-6:30 pm ET. Bereaved individuals are often told to “move on” or to “let go.” Yet, for many, that is the last thing they want to do, or feel that they can do. Continuing Bonds is a grief theory that describes this very desire and for many, need, to stay connected with our deceased loved ones. This workshop will discuss the theory, how it can be helpful to the bereaved, and of course, ways to continue bonds with our loved ones. This workshop will be recorded and added to PSCP's On-Demand Workshop Library. By participating, you are acknowledging that your image, likeness, and comments may be included in the recording, which will be distributed at the sole discretion of Peer Support Community Partners. There is no charge to attend regardless of where you live. Registration Required. Questions? Contact Laura@sadod.org

4. JUST SMASH IT! Saturday 1/11/25 2:00-3:30 pm ET AVON MA Join us at Just Smash It and let go for a little bit. Come on down and smash away your frustrations in a safe and controlled environment. Yes, you really get to break stuff!!! Don't miss out on this opportunity to let off some steam. See you there! Registration Required! As with our previous events, we are requiring a deposit to hold your spot. You will receive the deposit back at the event. If you sign up and do not attend the event without giving us 10 days notice, the deposit is not refundable. We do this to be able to continue to offer events at no cost to you. Thanks for your understanding. Questions? Please contact Judy Kelly: 781-264-0557 judyannkelly@gmail.com

THIS WEEK’S MEETING INFORMATION

Please pay special attention to meeting schedule changes throughout the holiday season.

Monday - ZOOM - 12/2/24 7:00-8:30 pm ET.

Aileen Lovejoy & Deb Dowd-Foley facilitating.

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86930927959?pwd=i4N7hWEhAtD4HPnBKCBi9LGEF7AGbt.1

Meeting ID: 869 3092 7959

Passcode: 239207 or

One tap mobile 16469313860

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Monday - IN-PERSON BERKELEY, CA 12/2/24 7:00-8:30 pm PT.

Randi Schalet facilitating.

Berkeley Town House/Library Room, 2550 Dana Street, Berkeley, CA. (Text 857-540-9596 to be buzzed into the building).

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

________________

Wednesday - IN-PERSON, BRAVEHEARTS FALMOUTH MA 12/4/24 1:30-3:00 pm ET.

Kerry Bickford facilitating.

Learn to Cope Office 24 Spring Bars Road, Suite 1A, Falmouth MA.

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

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Wednesday - IN-PERSON, TAUNTON, MA 12/4/24 7:00-8:00 pm ET.

Sandra Chase facilitating.

Learn to Cope Office, 4 Court Street, #110, Taunton, MA.

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

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Wednesday - IN-PERSON, PORTLAND, ME 12/4/24 6:00-7:30 pm ET.

Karen Walsh and Rachel Solomon facilitating.

The Family Restored, 631 Stevens Avenue, Suite 205, Portland, ME

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

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Wednesday - ZOOM 12/4/24 7:00-8:30 pm ET.

Robyn Houston-Bean facilitating.

For anyone 18 and over who has experienced the death of someone they care about due to substance use.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89339848976?pwd=ayd1jLi4bBYapnBuybFIkmTE7fhDfq.1

Meeting ID: 893 3984 8976

Passcode: 135336 or

One tap mobile 16465588656

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Thursday - GRIEVING GRANDPARENTS - ZOOM 12/5/24 5:30-6:30 pm ET.

Kerry Bickford facilitating.

For grandparents that have experienced the death of a family member due to substance use now navigating grief and other issues with their grandchildren. The focus of this Thursday group will be on the grandchildren.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2334755647

Meeting ID: 233 475 5647 or

One tap mobile 16465588656

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Special Event! Thursday-12/5/24 6-7:30 pm ET. Bemis Farm Evergreen Angel Workshop. Registration is required. Sign up here.

Questions? Please contact Aileen Lovejoy: 774-239-1905 aileen@peersupportcommunitypartners.com

Do you know someone bereaved due to substance use related causes that would appreciate our weekly email?