Jodie Atkinson | Public figure

Jodie Atkinson

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21.01.2022 The weirdest things can trigger an emotional response, and it strikes out of the blue. Yesterday while instructing a class, I was in high spirits, having a great time with my participants. We were having fun with our session like we usually do. Then a song came up on the play list...a popular mix clients listen to at work. It was Elvis Presley's 'You Are Always On My Mind".... Suddenly, my heart felt strangely weighed down and tears just filled my eyes. I was confused why suddenly after what seems a long time, I had this response. I did not understand. This song is not personal to me....or so I thought. Someone said, quick change the song, but I didn't want to. I can't avoid these moments, they are random and if I don't acknowledge and address them, it potentially keeps me stuck. No, I am not ashamed of my feelings and my emotional responses to things. And this is how discomfort shows up for some. And in this moment, It was an opportunity to shift a mindset, a programmed response and create a new level of acceptance. I did figure out why I may have reacted this way....last year 2 friends and I went to Michael Bublè's concert and he sang this song at the end. The three of us were in tears. My eyes overflowed like Niagara Falls as he sang it. It was an emotional but memorable night...Michael also shook my hand during the concert. Craig had taken me to the last two of Michael's concerts here in Adelaide. Accept these moments...whenever and however they present. #haveyoumetmygrief #randommoments #grief #jodieatkinson

15.01.2022 Last week I had the opportunity to talk with Jonathan Hart, the Pub Whisperer. He is involved with a great project, Great Aussie Pubs, and is reaching out to men about the importance of talking about anxiety, depression, and of course, loss and grief. We talked about my book, loss, grief and how it can show up in our lives. You can watch it here.

13.01.2022 Chapter 5 of my book 'Have You Met My Grief?' is all about the things people say and do that are not helpful. It is also about what IS helpful and how to support a grieving person. I think it can also apply to someone who may be going through a challenging time with their health or maybe they have been diagnosed with a terminal illness.... I continue to hear from people how hurt they feel that people stop contacting them or see them yet avoid them in public places. We all assume it is because they don't know how to deal with it or what to say. But it feels pretty shit to go through an incredibly tough time and have these experiences create feelings of isolation, hurt and sometimes anger, when long term friends just ignore you. To those of you going through that, I am so so truly sorry. To those of you who want to know a better way... simply showing up, admit you don't know how they may be feeling, ask them....and just LISTEN. Or buy my book for more ways to understand. We can do this better. Our people need us. https://jodie-atkinson.com.au/my-book/

12.01.2022 Recording the audio version of "Have You Met My Grief?" Exciting!

06.01.2022 Anniversary days can be hard to face, and as they approach, they may bring up many uncomfortable feelings. Some describe feelings of anxiety, fear, dread, guilt, sadness and pain associated with the loss of a loved one. When I interviewed other women like me, a few told me that the anticipation of anniversary days, especially the the day of their husband's passing, was actually worse than the day itself. I found that having a plan of how to spend that day was incredibly imp...ortant. Let the feelings and thoughts emerge and give yourself permission to feel and do what you need on this day. But decide how you might like to commemorate/honor the memory of your loved one, and do what feels right for you! Some women planted a tree, some decided to spend time in a special place that held fond memories. Others got tattoos. There is no right or wrong way...just your way. And it will be what it will be for you. I let people know that I was feeling a bit fragile and anxious going into my anniversary days, just so they know I might be a bit up and down, like a roller coaster, during this period. It also gives people the opportunity to reach into you, if you are feeling like you don't know how to reach out at this time. What we need to remember is death has ended a life, but it does not end a relationship, and a griever will feel a spectrum of emotions around these times. Just be prepared.... they may need you to be there, to listen and hold space. #haveyoumetmygrief #grief #jodieatkinson #author #supportforgrievers