Yes, this can be intense!
This week, a person in one of our groups said, “I don’t know if I can handle the intensity of this.” Many people feel that same way but don’t always say it out loud. Grief can come in waves that feel bigger than our capacity. It can be overwhelming to the body, the mind, the day. When that happens, it’s easy to think that something is wrong with us, that we’re not strong enough, that we should be further along by now. But intense grief doesn’t mean you’re failing. You are not meant to handle grief all at once. You are meant to get through this moment, then the next one. The intensity doesn’t last forever, even when it feels unbearable in the middle of it. If grief feels too heavy right now, that doesn’t mean it always will.
Read more: Embracing the Sadness of Grief, by Dr. Alan Wolfelt
with care
~ Robyn
Robyn Houston-Bean
Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation
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THE WEEK AHEAD MEETING CHANGES
People in Recovery meeting in Gloucester moved to new day & time, Now meeting third Tuesday of the month at 1:30 pm.
People in Recovery meeting in Taunton cancelled this month.
Mom’s meeting on Tuesday 1/20/26 moved to 6:00 pm ET, this month only.
Grandparent’s meeting moved from 1/19/26 to 1/26/26 this month.
UPCOMING TSWR & SADOD ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
SADOD’s January Psychoeducational Workshop. Tuesday, January 27, 2026 6:30-8:00pm ET. Tips for Navigating Grief in the New Year. Whether this is the first new year that you are going into since the loss of your loved one or whether you’ve done it before, starting a new year while grieving can be scary and overwhelming. This time of year is often viewed as a time for positive change and growth, but for individuals grieving it can bring unwanted change- a sense of getting further away from our deceased loved ones. This workshop will normalize and assuage these concerns while providing practical tools to take more ownership over this inevitable change.This workshop will take place virtually on Zoom. Learn more and register at bit.ly/new-years-grief. Please note this workshop has a $10 fee for individuals outside of Massachusetts. Massachusetts residents may attend this workshop for free due to funding from MA-BSAS by using promo code MASS at the time of registration. If cost is an issue, please contact Laura@sadod.org
Just Claying Around Painting Workshop 2/22/26 10:00 am-12:00 pm Bridgewater MA REGISTER HERE! Join The Sun Will Rise Foundation for a relaxed, low-key creative gathering focused on painting ceramic pieces. A selection of ceramics will be available to choose from. All materials are provided. Ages 18+ Cost: FREE but requires a $20 per person deposit that you will receive 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. Please don’t let the deposit be a barrier. If cost is an issue, just let us know. We’re committed to making this event accessible to everyone. If you have any accessibility needs (physical or otherwise), please reach out. We want to ensure everyone feels welcome and supported. Registration Required. Questions? Please contact Natalie Patricio: 774-955-7752 jeepgirl474@gmail.com
HERE IS SOME OF WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK AT TSWR
At our recent Pebble Art Workshop, participants spent the afternoon creating art from simple, natural materials. It was a reminder that slowing down, creating, and sitting alongside one another can be its own form of support.
OUR ANNUAL SUPPLY DRIVE
Last week for the drive!
HEALING THROUGH WONDER BOOK LAUNCH!
Many of you have watched or participated in our Healing Through Wonder Project with Val Walker. Or maybe you encountered Val at the grief conference or on one of ours or SADOD’s online workshops. We are so excited to announce that Val’s new book Healing Through Wonder, How Awe Restores Us After Trauma and Loss, launched this week! Please join us at a small book launch celebration. We will be giving way a signed book to some lucky attendees! Please RSVP here to let us know you will be attending.
JOIN OUR VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB!
The February 2026 book choice is The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss written by Mary-Frances O’Connor. We will have a facilitated discussion about it on 2/8/26!
HALO INITIATIVES: FAMILY OVERDOSE SUPPORT FUND
Boston Residents! If you are a BOSTON resident who has experienced the death of a family member to overdose within the last 2 years, you may be eligible for up to $5,000 in financial support. Apply here.
Do you know someone bereaved due to substance use related causes that would appreciate our weekly email? Have them sign up here for support!
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Want to volunteer for The Sun Will Rise? Sign up here!
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“Please be happy. The sun will rise” ~Nick Bean