GriefSPEAK: Two Truths and a Lie – Mari Nardolillo Dias

therapist about telling truth

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer “We wanted to confess our sins, but there were no takers” (Milosz) Dear Readers- I suspect that many of you are familiar with the game, “Two Truths and a Lie.” Each person in the group (or individual) states three facts and the audience needs to determine which statement…

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GriefSPEAK: What would you do if you weren’t afraid? – Mari Nardolillo Dias

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer I recently revisited the iconic, allegorical parable from the book “Who Moved My Cheese”? by Spencer Johnson. Often used as a “motivational business fable” (New York Times), the 4 characters display varying reactions to change and pitfalls. The characters, two mice (Sniff and Scurry) and two “littlepeople” (Hem…

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GriefSPEAK: Collectively, we grieve – Mari Nardolillo Dias

By: Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer We board a bus we board a plane. In some cases, we have only a name. Of the one behind the steering wheel. With only a voice we know that they’re real. On faith we’re in their capable hands Not really knowing all of God’s plans.  Safe travels…

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GriefSPEAK: The Mortician’s Daughter – Mari Nardolillo Dias

Smiling blonde woman wearing glasses.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD, contributing writer The month of June, regardless of the years gone by, will always be the month my dad died and I received my doctoral dissertation. This article is an homage to our relationship. (Names and locations have been changed) It’s complicated when you’re a girl; even more so when…

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GriefSPEAK: The living Anne Frank – Mari Nardolillo Dias

Light bokeh stock videos & royalty-free footage.

by Mari Nardolillo Dias, EdD – contributing writer It seems like a minute ago that I was cast in the role of Mrs. Van Daan in “The Diary of Anne Frank”. Our director required us to become immersed in our roles and read not just the script and the diary, but the historical articles. Anne…

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GriefSPEAK: Does knowing the details ease our grief – Mari Nardolillo Dias

A close up image of blue water in the ocean.

by Dr. Mari Nardolillo Dias, contributing writer Grievers often need an explanation of a sudden death. The belief (although perhaps irrational, in many situations) is based on that “knowing of the details” will ease the numbness, the surreality. Help them exhale. Manage their grief. The woman who believes that the “knowing” all the details of…

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GriefSPEAK: Beyond a pain too beautiful – Mari Nardolillo Dias

An image of a diamond on a black background.

By Mari Nardolillo Dias, contributing writer                                                           She “wears her pain like diamonds” (Alpha), although she told me that she feels like she is on fire, and drowning, simultaneously. She wears a little black dress interrupted only by the glare of the jewels: the cabochon drops like a single tear from a fragile filigree chain around…

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