Losing someone we love so deeply is something nobody ever wants to have to go through but the thing about death is that it is inevitable. Unfortunately, some are taken sooner than others and we wonder why it had to be them.
They pass away and we struggle with the fact that we will never physically see them again here on this earth. We go to their house, pack up their things and we battle ourselves with what to keep and what to throw away. We want to hold on to every little thing they’ve ever touched, even if it was something so small.
Although I will never stop missing my mom who passed away a little over 10 years ago, here are some ways I’ve coped with my grief and I hope this helps you.
BE WITH YOUR GRIEF
As hard as it can be, we have to acknowledge our grief and accept it for what it is. Often we try to hide our feelings or rush through the grieving process because it's too painful to bear. Grief is a natural response to loss and allowing yourself to feel is SO important. Allow yourself to grieve and understand that it's okay to feel sadness, anger, confusion, and other emotions that you don’t yet understand.
FIND SUPPORT
Grief can be very lonely but I want you to know that you are not alone on your journey. Reach out to friends, family, or a find a good support group that you feel comfortable in. Sharing your feelings and experiences with others who have gone through similar situations can be so incredibly healing. Don't hesitate to lean on your support when you need to. It's OKAY to ask for help.
FIND YOUR WAY TO EXPRESS YOUR GRIEF
Finding ways to express your emotions can be so helpful. My mom passed away in 2013. She was 48 years old. After she died I decided to write my feeling down which in turn lead to the start of my grief blog and my book Life Goes On..? Writing has been such a huge part of my healing journey and I am not sure how I would have made it through without it. I believe holding our grief in does more damage and we have to find an outlet to express all of our feelings.
DON'T FORGET TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Grieving can take a massive toll on you physically and emotionally. It is vital to make sure you TAKE CARE OF YOU. Make it a point to make sure you're eating well, getting enough sleep, and engaging in things that bring YOU happiness. Be gentle with yourself and recognize that this is a journey.
LET GRIEF TEACH YOU
Grief, although so sad and painful, can teach us so much about ourselves. It truly deepens our understanding of life, resilience, and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones while they are here. As you walk on this journey of grief, try to embrace what grief has taught you and use it as fuel to continue on and live your best life, for your lost loved one.
I don't believe grief ever goes away but I do think it evolves. I won’t sit here and tell you it’s an easy journey but it is possible to live a good life after losing someone we loved so deeply. Grief looks different for everybody and don't EVER let anybody tell you otherwise. There is no set timeline, no right or wrong way and healing yourself doesn't mean that you’re leaving your lost loved one in the past or forgetting about them. It means you are finding a way to live creatively with your bruised and broken heart.
Remember that you are not alone on this journey, and that even through the darkest of days.. life does in fact go on.
