Journal To Overcome Grief

How to Navigate Life While Coping with Grief

LaPorterNovember 29, 2022Leave a Reply

I didn’t give you the gift of life, life gave me the gift of you. – Unknown Author

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Thought to Ponder – Those who think there is a time limit when grieving, have never lost a piece of their heart.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! In case you were wondering, I took a mental health break to gather my thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Today, my mother would have been 80 years old, but she passed away in December 2015. This has been a stressful time for me, to say the least. However, I want you to know that I appreciate you and all of the support you give to my writing and blogging platform.

5 STAGES OF GRIEF & LOSS – On Death and Dying written by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Loss and heartache do not define you. They are part of your story. – Unknown Author

Even though there are 5 stages of grief and loss, people who are grieving do not necessarily go through the stages in the same order or experience all of them. The stages of grief and mourning are universal in nature and are experienced by people from all walks of life, across many cultures. Mourning occurs in our lives in response to an individual’s own terminal illness, the loss of a close relationship, or to the death of a valued being, human or animal. While mourning, we spend different lengths of time working through each step and express each stage with different levels of intensity. Here’s the 5 stages of grief and loss as defined by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross:

Denial & Isolation – The first reaction is to deny and isolate yourself from the reality of the situation. Most people block out the painful words and hide from the facts. Some people will believe that nothing is of any value any more, not even life itself. For most people, this stage of grief and loss is a temporary response that carries us through the first wave of pain.
Anger – As denial and isolation leaves us, reality and its pain re-emerge. Now, the intense emotion people feel turns into anger. The anger may be toward objects, complete strangers, friends or family. Even though deep down inside the person knows this feeling of anger is wrong, they may even be directing it toward dying or deceased loved ones as well.
Bargaining – In the next stage, there are feelings of helplessness and vulnerability as a way to regain control through a series of “if only” statements, such as “If only we had sought medical attention sooner” or “If only we got a second opinion from another doctor.” Unfortunately, this is an attempt to bargain with God or our higher power in order to postpone our pain. Guilt often accompanies bargaining as well. The person believes there was something they could have done differently to have helped save their loved ones’ life.
Depression – In the next stage, the person may start to be overwhelmed with sadness or regret which turns into worry. This phase may be eased by simple reassurance from others around them. Another phase of depression is when the person is more private and tries to bid a farewell to their loved one in silence. In this case, a hug or a kind gesture will comfort them.
Acceptance – Reaching this stage of grieving is a gift not afforded to everyone. Death may be sudden and unexpected, or we may never see beyond our anger or denial. Unfortunately, this phase is marked by withdrawal and calm.

Please keep in mind that everyone grieves differently. There is no right or wrong way. Some people will wear their emotions on their face and be outwardly emotional. Other people will experience their grief more internally and may not cry at all. Remember, do not judge how a person choose to experience grief, as each person will experience it differently.

WAYS TO NURTURE YOUR MIND, BODY & SPIRIT WHILE COPING WITH GRIEF

You must learn to master a new way to think before you can master a new way to be. – Marianne Williamson

Sometimes I wish time would stand still and I don’t have to relive the pain that comes during this time of the year. While everyone else is excited for the holidays, I dread it with everything within me. The holidays are just not the same without my mother physically being here. No amount of journaling or therapy sessions will save you from the emotional turmoil that you experience and continue to feel throughout the grieving process.

Nevertheless, I’ve learned that it’s important to nurture your mind, body and spirit while coping with grief. Here’s a few different ways to help you get started along this journey:

Read and study God’s Word.
Seek God’s face each day through prayer and guided meditation.
Pray a specific prayer for positive change in and around your life.
Practice mindfulness and stay in the present.
Set personal goals and a plan to achieve them.
Fuel your body with healthy food options.
Exercise daily and/or try new yoga poses.
Change your mental focus and environment.
Setup a daily routine using a To-Do List.
Focus on gratitude and find what you are grateful for each day.
Write in your journal to get your thoughts on to paper and out of your head.
Make time for self-reflection. Go for a walk, read, listen to music, meditate or color.

However, if you feel your mental stability is getting worse throughout the grieving process, seek professional help in the form of therapy from a licensed therapist or social worker, medication to treat depression or anxiety, or support groups to help share your feelings with like-minded individuals.

AFFIRMATIONS TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE LIFE

Affirmations can be used to change your current mindset, boost your self-confidence, mood, and self-esteem. Through the power of repetition, you’re able to reconstruct your thought patterns, beliefs, and ideals in your subconscious mind. I will allow change to take place in my life on today. I plan to water my roots, so my soul can blossom. Now repeat after me:

In my sadness, I love myself.
It’s okay to take time to grieve.
I am patient with my healing process.
I allow myself to grieve then move on.
I feel my angels holding me today as I grieve.
I will embrace change in my life.
I will step out on faith throughout my journey.
I plan to endure and overcome heartache, pain, suffering, sadness and loneliness.
I am finding strength in myself as I grieve.
I focus on my blessings, goals and memories.
I will commit to improving my personal well-being.
I am gentle with myself as I heal.
I release my resistance to this situation.
I graciously accept help when its offered.
The universe lifts me, supports me and guides me.

Unfortunately, many of us struggle to overcome many obstacles in life, such as grief, and don’t understand that the root cause is often times hidden within. Whether you sometimes feel stressed out, anxious, sad or depressed, there’s one important fact that you need to remember. You need to learn that your mind, body and spirit must become ONE in order for you to be at your best. Only then, will you begin to navigate life while coping with grief.

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. – Lao Tzu

Keep calm and write on. Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey, and everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!

MIND

How can you create a space to help clear your mind?
What are some of your mental obstacles in life that are holding you back?
Our passion is typically something that brings us pleasure. What are some of your most passionate thoughts and how do you nurture them?
What is your greatest quest in life?

BODY

Sit or stand very still. What are you feeling right now in this very moment?
What are you having a hard time accepting in your life?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
How are you mistreating your body or compromising your health?

SPIRIT

What steps do I need to take to become spiritually grounded in God’s Word?
What is holding you back from trusting and believing in God?
Does my life reflect what my heart desire? If not, what changes can I make?
How do you plan to feed your spirit on today?

JOURNAL TO OVERCOME GRIEF: A PERSONAL JOURNEY TO HEALING

No matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief. – Faraaz Kazi

Journal To Overcome Grief: A Personal Journey to Healing can be purchased via Amazon.com. This beautiful grief journal includes thought provoking journal prompts and quotes that will help you navigate life after loss.

There will be times when you’ll want to cry and other times when you’ll smile as you explore your personal reflections. This is a unique way to honor your loved one and connect with their spirit through writing while creating your own personal keepsake for years to come.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

We all are different and unique, but I do know that our minds, bodies, and spirit must be as ONE in order for us to feel complete. What are some things you do to help calm your mind, body, and spirit? I look forward to reading your comments and feedback!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Practice Self-Care During Your Grief Experience

LaPorterApril 30, 2022Leave a Reply

Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you. – Katie Reed

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s discuss how important it is for you to practice self-care during your grief experience. Although everyone grieves in their own unique way, the emotional turmoil you feel during your grief experience can be complicated and have you feeling depleted. Whether you want to admit it or not, grief also leaves you feeling as though you have no voice when other people are not willing to listen to how you feel.

WHY SELF-CARE IS IMPORTANT

Give yourself the same care and attention that you give to others and watch yourself bloom. – Unknown Author

So, what is self-care? According to The Self-Care Solution written by Suzy Reading, self-care can be defined as any life-giving activity that restores, sustains or improves your health. Self-care is nourishment for your mind, body and spirit. Self-care can also help people become the best version of themselves when they learn effective ways to navigate through life.

Suzy Reading provides three reasons why self-care is important:

Stress is not going to go away. Stress is a normal part of life. In fact, life would be boring without some stress to keep us on our toes, right?
Stress has a cumulative effect. Stress can add up very quickly so make sure to plan for regular pressure releases throughout your day. For example, go for a walk, do a stretch routine or meditate.
Too much stress is dangerous. It’s a fact that too much stress makes us ill and greatly diminishes our ability to enjoy life.

In other words, self-care is necessary and can lead to:

A relaxed mood and improved state of mind
Improved thinking, organization, and personal relationships
Clearer understanding of where we are mentally and physically, and the ability to address our personal needs before we tend to others

SELF-CARE TIPS FOR GRIEF

Self-care is how you take your power back. – Lalah Della

Let’s be honest. It’s hard to think about yourself when you’re experiencing grief. Grief is hard and painful. There’s so many thoughts, feelings and emotions swirling around in your head all at once. Unfortunately, grief takes over your reality and your own needs tend to fall by the wayside. Make the time to implement some of these tips into your daily life routine. The tips are in no specific order, so scan through and pick those you relate to. As you can see, self-care is not selfish, but it is necessary to help keep you calm during your grief experience.

Take a moment and use these self-care tips for grief that can help you keep a calm mind, body and spirit:

#1 – Breathe Mindfully – Take time to breathe slowly and focus on your natural breath. This process will put your mind in the present moment.
#2 – Be Kind to Yourself – Being kind to yourself has tremendous healing power. Treat yourself as you would treat a beloved friend. Give yourself space to feel the pain of grief and allow your heart to break. Self-compassion
#3 – Let Yourself Cry – If you feel the need to cry, then let your tears flow. Crying is a gate way to your total healing experience.
#4 – Pray and Meditate Regularly– Despite how bad you’re feeling inside, it’s important to spend time in prayer and meditation. This process will help clear your mind and keep you in the present. Consistency is key so start with 10 to 20 minutes per day.
#5 – Connect with Others – No matter how difficult it may be, it’s important for you to have interaction with people you trust. However, if you feel like your support system has fallen apart, then find a compassionate grief counselor or therapist to speak with.
#6 – Move Your Body – Push yourself to move your body. Take a walk outside, practice doing yoga or try a new exercise class. Exercise does the whole body good. Exercise will help you sleep better and offer you a healthier option to release stress during this difficult time.
#7 – Express Yourself Through Creativity – Allowing yourself to spend time writing in your journal, drawing, coloring or knitting can help you focus on activating your creative side of your brain.

As you can see, grief can manifest itself physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you are not careful, grief can throw off your whole life balance and really have an effect on your future health.

HOW TO CREATE A SELF-CARE PLAN

Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation. – Audre Lorde

The best way to practice self-care during your grief experience is to create yourself a self-care plan. A self-care plan will allow you to be proactive and to take action when you need it most.

Here’s the five components necessary to create a self-care plan:

#1 – Identify personal needs and values – Keep in mind that your personal needs and values change when you experience life events, such as grief. Question – How do you feel?
#2 – Boundaries in regard to relationships and time – Set healthy boundaries with people and stick to them. Question – Does people energize you or deplete you?
#3 – Support system and circle of trust – Put a dependable support system in place that you trust. Question – Who is it that you lean on and trust?
#4 – Community resources and creative outlets – Research valuable community resources that will assist you throughout this journey. Question – What resources do you have available to you?
#5 – Personal and professional goals – Set personal and professional goals to improve your life. Question – Where do you want to see yourself I the future?

When done correctly, you will have time to reflect on the past, consider the future, and make most of the present.

No matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief. – Faraaz Kazi

SELF-CARE AFFIRMATIONS

Be enough for yourself first, the rest of the world can wait. – Unknown Author

Self-care affirmations will help you to focus on improving yourself. You can spend 5 – 10 minutes in meditation, journaling, or yoga with mantras. Self-love, positivity, open-mindedness, help set you in the right direction. Designate a time in the morning and at night when you can recite affirmations aloud. By saying them aloud, you hear the powerful words, and it can help you internalize them as true. The key to seeing a positive change in life is to say the affirmations with conviction and make it personal.

Here’s a few of my favorite self-care affirmations to help you get started:

I love and respect myself.
I know my value and self-worth.
I care about myself and listen to all of my needs.
I am strong, resilient, and smart.
I treat myself with love, kindness, and acceptance.
I am powerful, healthy, and capable.
I am free of self-doubt and insecurities because I am confident.
I am centered, at peace, and in love with myself.
I affirm empowering and kind messages to myself.
I set healthy boundaries and stick to them.
I always focus on the positive side of life.
I embrace my past and learn from it every day.
I am not my mistakes or my past.
I release myself of any misery and suffering.

Remember, there’s no time limit on the grief process. Instead of avoiding grief, take time to address the pain and heartache you feel while you practice self-care. Then, go through the grieving process at your own pace and release the negative feelings by:

Crying or laughing about a past memory
Talking about your loss and sharing the memories with others
Writing about it or writing a letter to them, or even keeping a journal

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure. – Oprah Winfrey

Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey, and everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!

What was the last self-care thing you did?
What is one thing you need to let go?
What is one way you like to recharge your energy levels?
What is holding you back from improving your lifestyle?
How can I honor my body on today?
How important is self-care to you while you grieve?
What would you like to include in your daily self-care routine?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Journal To Overcome Grief

LaPorterApril 17, 2022Leave a Reply

Grief never ends, but it changes. In passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love. – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Hope you’ve enjoyed your Easter holiday so far! Today, let’s discuss how to journal to overcome grief. Grief hits everyone differently. Coping with the loss of someone or something you love is one of life’s biggest challenges. Even though you may associate grieving with the death of a loved one, there are other losses that may occur in one’s life that may cause you grief, pain, and heartache, such as:

Divorce or relationship breakup
Loss of health
Losing a job
Loss of financial stability
A miscarriage
Retirement
Death of a pet
Loss of a cherished dream
A loved one’s serious illness
Loss of a friendship
Loss of safety after a trauma

Despite the unrest, hatred, loneliness, and fear that is experienced during the grief process, it’s important to find healthy ways to cope with your thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING THROUGH GRIEF

Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything, your pain can become your greatest ally in your life’s search for love and wisdom. – Rumi

Journaling is a proven coping tool for exploring grief and other complicated emotions. I don’t know about you, but journaling is my safe place, my time to just write how I feel and scream on paper, and no one will ever know. A journal provides a safe environment for you to express your heart felt thoughts. Every person’s grief journal will be different based on the persons expectations, goals, experiences, and preferences.

There are benefits of journaling through grief, such as:

Reduce stress and anxiety – Expressive writing can lower stress and anxiety levels during any situation.
Improve your memory – Regular journal writing can improve your short-term memory.
Stay organized – Keeping a journal such as a weight loss diary or grief journal lets you maintain an organized record of your progress.
Strengthen your self-discipline – Journaling helps you to keep a regular writing schedule until it becomes a habit.
Prioritize problems and fears – Journaling helps you to see your triggers more clearly so you can prioritize and solve your problems and fears.
Allow yourself to self-reflect – Don’t over think your written entries, just write honestly, and make time for self-reflection.
Clarify your thoughts and feelings – Jot down your thoughts and feelings with no editing and you will contact your internal being.
Be creative – Add photos and positive quotes to enhance your written entries.

As you can see, keeping a journal allows you to track patterns, trends, improvement, and growth over time. Make sure to reflect on these thoughts often throughout your journey.

JOURNAL TO OVERCOME GRIEF

No matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief. – Faraaz Kazi

Today, I’m excited to share my new book called Journal To Overcome Grief: A Personal Journey to Healing that can be purchased via Amazon.com. This beautiful grief journal includes thought provoking journal prompts and quotes that will help you navigate life after loss.

GRIEF AFFIRMATIONS

The irony of grief is that the person that you need to talk to about how you feel is the person who is no longer here. – Unknown Author

Grief affirmations may offer you hope when you feel there is none left. Grief affirmations can help shift your mindset in a positive direction. Take a moment each day to recite the following grief affirmations with confidence. Then, you’ll watch your life change right before your eyes.

No matter what you say, I know my grief matters.
I am strong because of what I have been through.
I heal with curiosity, presence, and hope.
Grief gives me wings with which I spread love.
I am always healing, and never alone.
My life is a celebration of their life.
Grief is a call for me to wake up and live, and love, even more.

Designate a time in the morning and at night when you can recite affirmations aloud. By saying them aloud, you hear the powerful words, and it can help you internalize them as true. The key to seeing a positive change in life is to say the affirmations with conviction and make it personal.

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

You never really get over the death of someone you love. You simply get through it. – Unknown Author

How do you define grief?
Do you plan to start journaling through grief? Why or why not?
What is grief trying to tell you through this experience?
What triggers your grief when you’re alone?
How can you begin to make space for grief instead of avoiding it?
What are your saddest moments when you feel stuck in isolation?
What wisdom have you learned from grief?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).