The Seven T's: Finding Hope and Healing in the Wake of Tragedy

By Judy Collins

Book Overview

Beloved singer-songwriter Judy Collins draws on her personal experience with her son's suicide to guide readers through grieving the loss of a loved one who has died under tragic circumstances.

The death of a loved one is always painful and the grieving process complex and profound. Yet when the loss occurs under tragic circumstances, there is a whole other set of emotional variables that the people left behind must face. Questions abound, such as "Could I have stopped this?" Feelings of guilt, shame, and even anger combine with the overwhelming sadness of losing someone who was dearly loved. Drawing on her own experience of losing her son to suicide, as well as her conversations with hundreds of people who have grieved the tragic death of a friend or family member, revered singer-songwriter Judy Collins has culled together seven powerful steps toward healing. The Seven T's are:

TRUTH: Tell it. Regardless of how terrible the facts may be and how hard it is to talk about, don't hide the truth about how you lost the person you loved. TRUST: Allow it. Don't let the painful circumstances surrounding the death of your loved one prevent you from talking with friends about your loss.
THERAPY: Get it. Seek help-whether through traditional talk therapy, your art, meditation, or whatever method you choose-but get the help you need.
TREASURE: Hold on. Don't stop treasuring your loved one. Don't let the horrible events leading to his or her death wash away all of the things that were good and beautiful about that person's life.
THRIVE: Keep living with your eyes wide open. Don't give in to the temptation to use alcohol or any other addiction to blunt or blur your sadness.
TREAT: Be kind to yourself. Give yourself the gift of self-nourishment.
TRIUMPH: You must. Live a life of joy, abundance, and forgiveness.

From a woman famous for her wisdom and compassion, The Seven T's is destined to become a classic on the subject of grieving and loss.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1585424951
• ISBN13: 9781585424955
• Release Date: May 2007
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 7.9"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A Thoughtful Guide for Grieving

"I was not angry I was destroyed." ~pg. 10 There is so much pain in the world, it is rare to find a beautiful book that brings you peace and makes you feel at home. "The Seven T's" is a helpful guide to get you through the grieving process when you have lost someone you love. While Judy Collins focuses mostly on her son's suicide this book is appropriate for anyone who is facing a tragic loss. As you work through anger, denial, acceptance and finally peace it is helpful to read books about loss. This book is comforting and Judy Collins is an excellent writer who effectively captures emotional moments. What I liked most about this book was the personal way it is written. It is also sprinkled with collectible quotes. The most helpful thing you make take away from this book is the affirmations at the start and end of each chapter. This makes the book practical as well as inspiring. While listening to Judy Collins' gorgeous songs I found they capture her ethereal beauty. Imaging how she must have felt losing her son puts me in a deep contemplative mood. Sorrow coming into such a life seems so unfair and yet Judy Collins has learned so much from her experience and has helped so many people face their own sadness. If you are looking for a healing book I can recommend this to you. If you can (after reading this book), listen to some of Judy Collins beautiful music. Her voice soothes the soul. I can also recommend: Final Conversations: Helping the Living and the Dying Talk to Each Other Finding Your Way After Your Spouse Dies A Garden of Love and Healing: Living Tributes to Those We Have Loved and Lost Unspeakable: The Truth About Grief I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye: Surviving, Coping and Healing After the Sudden Death of a Loved One Facing the Ultimate Loss: Confronting the Death of a Child Grieving God's Way ~The Rebecca Review