Home > Relationships & Family > Crisis Support > Grief & Loss
Created on: August 05, 2009
1) Let it flow. You are hurting, and there will always be a void. Peace and healing will come in time. It's a process. Allow yourself to experience whatever emotions that you feel. It's not healthy to hold it in. If not expressed, it tends to come out in unexpected and sometimes inappropriate ways. Let it flow, and let it flow as often as necessary.
2) Feel the connection. Hold on to the closeness that you share with your loved one. They are watching over you, and they will always be with you. Their arms are wrapped around you. Their voice will echo in your mind, and their presence will forever be felt in your heart. They are a permanent part of you. This relationship isn't lost.
3) Nurture your faith. You will need to rely on your faith now more than ever. Pray or meditate often, even when you don't feel like it. Use your connection to God, or your higher power, as a source of strength and comfort. The natural result will be a clearer focus on the bond between you and your loved one.
4) Use your support system. There are people that love you and who are there for you. Don't hesitate to reach out if ever you need to. Allow them to assist you in any way possible. At the very least, ask them to keep you in their thoughts and prayers, and to send you love and light.
5) Grieve on your own terms. Grief can be numbing, and well meaning people may think they know what is best for you. Be extra cautious about handing over your power to others. Only you know what will work for you, and it's okay to put yourself first at a time like this.
6) Express yourself. The death of a loved one can trigger unexpected feelings and behaviors. You may suddenly feel out of control, and life might seem to come to a stand still. It's natural to be overwhelmed at a time like this. Get professional help if you need to. There are also many books that could be helpful to you.
7) Create a sacred place of remembrance. Dedicate an area to cherish your loved one's memory. Put out a favorite picture or pictures and maybe even some items that remind you of them. Light a candle in their honor as often as you feel to. Photo albums and journals can also bring solace.
8) Say goodbye. Find a quiet place where you can be in solitude. Picture you and your loved in a special place together and express what you need to express to them. You can say it out loud or just in your mind. Then tell them goodbye and let them go. They are not gone, but your shared experience will now be different. This will assist you
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