Navigating Grief: A Healing Journey

Grief is a universal human experience that manifests in various forms, triggered by the loss of a loved one, a significant relationship, a job, or even a sense of normalcy. Navigating grief is a complex, gutting, and personal journey, and finding healing amidst the pain is crucial for emotional well-being. But it also may not come at the time you want. Grief takes time and more so than not... we grow around the grief not get rid of it.

I have often described it like it is a wild tornado tail. You don’t know how or when it is going to hit and with what emotion. One minute you think you are ok and then the next you can feel slated and slammed.

No one comes out unscathed. We will all experience loss. It shows us that we have cared deeply, and loved with our whole heart.

In this blog, we'll explore some possible ways to navigate grief and embrace the healing process.

Acknowledge and Accept Your Feelings

The first step in healing from grief is acknowledging and accepting your emotions. Whether it's sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, or at times nothing at all..these feelings are a natural part of the grieving process. Allow yourself the space to feel and express these emotions without judgment. Sob, scream, cry, rest… Stay away from people who try to get you out of it. While well intended it can make things worse. Also, don’t let anyone tell you, you should be over it in a certain amount of time. You heal when you heal. Journaling or talking to a trusted friend or therapist can be helpful in processing and validating your feelings.

Create Rituals to Honor Your Loss

Rituals can provide a sense of structure and comfort during times of grief. Consider creating rituals that honor the memory of your loved one or the aspect of your life that you've lost. This could be lighting a candle, planting a tree, or dedicating a special day each year to commemorate their presence in your life. These rituals can serve as a tangible way to remember and celebrate what was.

Seek Support or Aloneness

Grieving is a deeply personal experience, but it doesn't mean you have to go through it alone. Reach out to truly understanding friends, family, or support groups who can offer empathy and understanding. Sharing your thoughts and memories can be cathartic, and surrounding yourself with a truly supportive community can provide a safety net during difficult times. You may also want to be alone. Sometimes it can feel too much having people around you.

Practice Self-Compassion

Grieving is a non-linear process, and everyone experiences it differently. Be patient with yourself and practice self-compassion. Understand that healing takes time, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Allow yourself rest, self-care, and reflection, recognizing that your well-being is a priority and a must to heal.

Engage in Therapeutic Activities

Engaging in therapeutic activities can be a powerful way to channel your emotions constructively. Consider activities such as art, music, or writing as outlets for self-expression. These creative endeavors can provide a therapeutic release and help you make sense of your emotions in a way that words alone might not capture. Or wrap up in a blanket.. keep warm and comforted.

Embrace Professional Help

If the weight of grief becomes overwhelming, seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can be instrumental in the healing process. A mental health professional can offer guidance, tools, and coping strategies tailored to your unique situation, providing valuable support as you navigate the challenges of grief.

Navigating grief is a profound, and transformative journey. By acknowledging your feelings, creating rituals, seeking support, practicing self-compassion, engaging in therapeutic activities, and embracing professional help when needed, you can move towards healing and find a renewed sense of meaning and purpose in life. Remember, healing is a process, not a destination, and it's okay to take the necessary time to nurture yourself through the ups and downs of grief.