The Reluctant Traveler: A Pilgrimage Through Loss and Recovery

by Marr, Diane Dempsey

• ISBN13: 9781576832714
• ISBN10: 1576832716
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-12-01
• Publisher: Tyndale House Pub

Summary

The death of a loved one. A debilitating illness. Divorce. A miscarriage. The loss of a job. A dream surrendered. Loss comes in many forms, and its partner -- grief -- is a stranger to no one. Yet few people know how to process their pain in a healthy way. Many give in to the world's pressure to move on with their lives, refusing to acknowledge the depth of the sorrow they feel. Others become so consumed with grief that they are unable to manage the simplest of activities. If you are mourning a loss, there is hope. In The Reluctant Traveler, a compass for navigating the deep waters of grief, author Diane Dempsey Marr suggests that if you commit to processing grief step-by-step, it can actually become an ally in refining your character. Marr examines issues such as: Identifying and reacting to loss. Managing anger and avoiding bitterness and rage. Dealing with depression. Sorting through normal feelings of loneliness and isolation. Forgiveness. Integrating loss into life. Personal recovery. Regardless of how you may feel now, take heart. By learning how to embrace the grieving process, you can restore your life after loss and add deeper dimensions to your spiritual walk. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Diane Dempsey Marr serves as professor of counseling and education at Whitworth College and is coordinator of the Graduate Counseling Programs there. Dr. Marr has published numerous scholarly works, and has been a featured speaker at conferences. She resides with her husband and son in Spokane, Washington

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	9	(2)
Preface	11	(4)
Difficult Farewells: Identifying and Naming Our Loss	15	(16)
The Reluctant Traveler: Our Initial Response to Loss	31	(18)
Grim Night's Verdict: The Realization That We Are Forever Changed	49	(20)
Our New Best Friend: Bargaining with Loss and Its Pain	69	(16)
Embracing the Darkness: Accepting Loss and Managing the Pain That Follows	85	(20)
One Last Mountain: Life-Changing Challenges Encountered in Recovery	105	(20)
A Strand of Gold: Integration of Loss and Joy's Renewal	125	(16)
Eye of the Storm: Taking Care of Ourselves in the Midst of Loss	141	(20)
Appendix A: Outline of the Grief Recovery Process	161	(4)
Appendix B: Finding Competent, Formal Therapeutic Support	165	(2)
Appendix C: Resources for Recovery	167	(2)
Notes	169	(4)
About the Author	173