THE PAST 16 months certainly have been brimming with challenges. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, social and political unrest, confusion, uncertainty, and the staggering loss of loved ones, we almost could feel hope melting away like ice cream on a hot summer day. HOPE the acronym, however, is there to help when we are struggling with life's challenges-a reminder of four important habits for healthy coping:(H)onor your feelings that emerge and respect their purpose. Every grief experience deserves acknowledgement to help ease the way. This does not mean we deny feelings, give up, or give in to painful emotions by isolating or withdrawing from important functions of our life. It does mean that we allow ourselves to feel them, even if they are completely foreign or painfully intense. By allowing them to be felt, they have a more natural cessation point and the capability of providing important insights for our future lives.
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