Be 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 MoreWhen Grief Shows Up in Happy Times
Unavoidable Circumstances My oldest daughter was married this past weekend in a picture perfect ceremony followed by a fun-filled reception. It was the wedding of her dreams, the happiest day of her life. However, in the midst of a perfect fairytale wedding, there were moments of grief. She had been so proud planning to dance with both of her dads on her wedding day; she was blessed double with two amazing dads. Unfortunately, a violent and unexpected virus kept her father from attending the reception. I watched helplessly as both of their hearts were broken because he could not stay at his...
Read MoreGrief Stages
Typical Experiences You can expect to pass through certain typical stages of grief. There is no strict order in which they come, and no strict guidelines on how to react to them. These are only ideas of stages that you’re likely to experience. Anytime during your grief you may have all or some of these stages. You may even go through other reactions and phases. More than likely, you will go back and forth through the stages on your way to recovery. * The initial reaction to a significant loss is usually shock, disbelief and denial. Recognizing the loss is very important in accepting...
Read MoreAbout The Grief Recovery Kit
Every griever is different and each grief situation individual. The Kit acts as a roadmap through the difficult and personal journey.
This award-winning book provides:
- practical activities to promote participation
- ways to facilitate communication
- encouragement to press forward
- hope to anyone experiencing grief of any kind
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