You may already be feeling the sting of anniversary reactions. I like to call that sting a result of a “sneak attack.”

It seems those anniversaries and special days sneak up on us. We can then feel these days are out of control or overwhelming.

Interestingly, our body tends to remember these days are coming. We may not be able to put our finger on why we are feeling different. Sometimes we know exactly the reason.

Either way, planning can help reduce that anticipation and apprehension that comes along with those special days.

Let’s get you back in the drivers seat.

Watch the video and print 12 copies of the blank calendar handout for the activity or use your own digital calendar for the exercise.

Handout: Blank Calendar

A point to consider here… anniversaries and special days only come once a year.

Unlike the everyday grief that you experience, these special days are a bit tougher to learn how you are going to respond.

Think about this… the first anniversary is your first experience without your Loved One. The second anniversary is ONLY the second time you’ve experienced that day.

It makes sense that these special days take a bit of time to understand for yourself.

Fortunately, you can still apply other learnings and tools to help you through.

Be gentle with yourself and offer yourself some patience if it seems that these special days are still tough in years to come.