Dealing With Anger in the Grief Process
Angry Moments Can Arise Often times when we are hurt, offended, or lose something or someone we love, we become angry. During the grief journey there may be times when anger rises within you without warning. Many times it’s a reaction that just appears, usually uninvited and unwelcome. Perhaps your anger is specifically directed at someone. You may feel mad at the person who died, or with someone who caused your loss like the drunk driver, an abuser, or the one who stole from you. People, even family and friends, can do or say the wrong things that make you angry. There may be no particular...
Read MoreBe Open and Honest When Dealing with Grief of Any Kind
The Silent Struggle I tend to internally struggle with things that hurt me to the point that it begins to overwhelm my mind and affect my body. Sometimes my regrets, offenses, and grief take the forefront of my thoughts and swallow all that’s good in my life. I must realize that it is me that allows the negative to occupy so much space. I am the only one that can give permission for these destructive feelings to stay. My mind is aware of that, but there are times it’s difficult to convince my heart. Sometimes I’m just so hurt and angry I don’t know what to do about it. When I get this...
Read MoreGrieving a Loss Can Leave a Hole in Your Heart
A Vacant Heart After you lose someone or something you love, there is usually an emptiness you feel inside. You may think the empty space will never be filled; you may feel as if there is a hole in your heart that will remain forever. The death of a loved one, the loss of a pet, or the loss of a relationship can leave your heart aching as you grieve for who and what you’ve lost. A portion of your life was occupied by that relationship and when it’s gone, there is a void left not only in your heart but in your life also. Time was spent in the relationship; you did things together while...
Read MoreAllowing the Pain of Grief
Don’t Avoid Pain It is human nature for us to steer clear of pain; most of us try to avoid it at all cost. It is also an instinctual response to protect the ones we love from hurting, especially children. However, there is no successful way to avoid pain when experiencing grief. With grief there is pain; the two go hand in hand. That statement sounds so cold and absolute but once you experience the grief and pain in full, you will be free to move forward toward recovery. The pain associated with grief hurts tremendously; sometimes it’s downright brutal. Though you may be tempted, don’t...
Read MoreIdentify Your Support System During Grief
What is a Support System? It is important to have supportive people in your life but a healthy support system is crucial in a time of grief. A support system is made up of the people you trust, who help you and comfort you. These are the people who take care of you or provide emotional support, wisdom, and strength when you need it. Surround yourself with a circle of encouraging, caring, and compassionate people. There are times during grief when you can become overwhelmed, confused or exhausted. In these times, it can help to have someone to talk to and share your thoughts with. Sometimes...
Read MoreGrieving the Loss of a Pet
Saying Good-bye A friend of mine had to say good-bye to a loved one this week. Her dog, a.k.a. “best friend”, lost his battle to illness after providing over a decade of loyalty, amusement, and devotion. My young friend’s heart broke as she held her faithful companion while he took his last breath. What greater love is there than to put your own feelings aside for the love and comfort of another? He passed this life peacefully in the arms of love. Significant Loss Grieving the loss or death of a pet can be extremely painful. In many cases, a pet has become friend, a confidant, a...
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