Dealing with Grief
Grief is one of the most universal human emotions and a part of life that eventually we all learn about. It is the state of being that results from the recognition that the world that “should be” is different from the world that is–a world that is forever changed by the loss.
Grief is not something abnormal; rather, it is a normal and inevitable step in our journey through life. Two simple definitions of grief are 1) the conflicting feelings caused by the end of or change in a familiar pattern or behavior. 2) a normal, natural and painful emotional reaction to loss.
Dealing with grief is probably one of the most devastating emotions that one can experience. Grief has many faces, devastation, anger, frustration, hate, confusion and depression: all of which can be over whelming. Dealing with grief is a very personal experience and how we deal with losing someone can be very different from one person to the next
Talk with someone who listens without giving advice , lets you talk about whatever you need to discuss, accepts you where you are, and doesn’t try and make you feel differently. Talking with someone helps you begin to acknowledge the reality of your loss. Talking releases the emotions; it clears space in your heart and mind for a touch of joy to enter your life.
Grieving for the person you have lost is really the most healing thing you can do for yourself. Everyone will tell you what to do or how you will feel but they don’t really know, as it’s unique to every person. Grieving well can lead to spiritual growth, which means that life itself can become richer and fuller after a profound loss.
You may wish to consider creating an online book of remembrance as a way to celebrate the life of your lost loved one.
