Thanksgiving Gratitude: Holiday Tips from Grief Expert Aurora Winter

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- What do you say when grief is an unwelcome guest at your Thanksgiving feast or Christmas party? How can you feel grateful when a death, divorce, job loss or another heartbreaking loss is impacting you or someone you care about?

Aurora Winter, the founder of the Grief Coach Academy, has tips to overcome the five stages of grief and reconnect to gratitude this holiday season. She is available to be a guest on TV and radio shows throughout the holiday season.

"Grieving people often isolate - which prolongs and deepens grief," warns Aurora, a young widow and the author of From Heartbreak to Happiness®. "So by all means invite your grieving neighbor, coworker, friend or family member to your Thanksgiving feast or Christmas party. Being connected and supported by friends and family is the perfect buffer against sorrow."  

"Bringing cheer to others is the fastest way to feel happier yourself," says Aurora. "If you're hosting a holiday party, why not have everyone bring a dish, so you can focus on the people, rather than the preparation? Or help out at a soup kitchen, and feel a whole new sense of gratitude and perspective as you help those far less fortunate than yourself."

People sometimes avoid those who are grieving, because they don't know what to say.  

"It's not their fault. They haven't been taught the simple 3-step formula: 1) acknowledge; 2) listen; 3) give hope. To comfort someone who is heartbroken, be willing to acknowledge their situation. Then listen without fixing," says Aurora, author of "Encouraging Words."

Giving hope can simply be communicating through words or actions, "You're not alone. I'm here. I care." A simple invitation to join a Thanksgiving dinner or holiday party gives hope.

It is helpful to remember that it is only that which has brought us deep joy that can bring us deep sorrow. As Kahlil Gibran said, "Your joy is your sorrow unmasked."

"We can lose sight of gratitude because we're greedy for more - more time with that person, more chances to say 'I love you,' more holidays spent together."

"Refocusing on the joy already received can quickly shift us from grief to gratitude," says Aurora. "I've had this happen countless times with clients as they go from tears to joy-filled laughter when I ask questions about the good times."

This holiday season, share your happiest memories, and you'll easily connect to gratitude. Ask questions such as:

• What did you like best about your husband?
• How did he propose?
• What was the silliest thing you ever did together?
• Tell me your happiest memory of Mom.
• What is your fondest holiday memory as a child?

Healing from grief is a process. The good news is, that process can be dramatically accelerated with the right coaching and support.

"Time alone does not heal. The right actions heal. Be proactive," says Aurora.

You can find out more about healing retreats and healing coaching here: http://www.PowerofHappinessEvents.com and you can get a free strategy session to identify your top goals and challenges.

Attending a healing retreat can be the fast track to happiness, as one guest shared. "Amazing, incredible, indescribable! I have joy in my heart that I have not had for 4 1/2 years!" said Miki Knowles. "Thanks, Aurora!"

"Healing is a process, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel," says Aurora. "If I can go from heartbreak to happiness, you can, too."

Aurora's book "From Heartbreak to Happiness®" is her intimate diary of healing after her husband died suddenly at the age of 33, leaving her widowed with a 4-year-old son.

Dr. Wayne Dyer said, "I read every page of this beautiful diary -- it touched my heart and I'm sure it will impact yours."

Visit http://www.AuroraWinter.com/gifts and get your free copy of From Heartbreak to Happiness.

To learn more about coaching others through grief or heartbreak, visit http://www.GriefCoachAcademy.com and get a free strategy session and CD.

About Aurora Winter

Formerly a film and TV executive producer, Aurora Winter is founder of the Grief Coach Academy, which is dedicated to training coaches how to coach their clients through grief, and From Heartbreak to Happiness®.  

She hosts healing retreats to help people heal more quickly and joyfully. Visit http://www.PowerofHappinessEvents.com for information on healing retreats and healing coaching.

Aurora's a popular guest on radio and TV, and has appeared on ABC-TV, NBC, Fox, Oprah Radio, and more. She was featured in the award-winning documentary film "What If: The Movie." She's a sought-after workshop leader, coach trainer, speaker, and author.

Aurora's latest book "Encouraging Words" is due out next month.

Contact:

Aurora Winter
[email protected]

To book Aurora for radio or TV appearance, contact:

[email protected]
866-344-3108

SOURCE Aurora Winter