Grief is like an ocean; it comes in waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes, it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn how to swim. – Vicki Harrison
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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today is National Grief Awareness Day. I thought it would be beneficial to set aside some time just to speak about this very important topic.
WHAT IS NATIONAL GRIEF AWARENESS DAY?
No matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief. – Faraaz Kazi
National Grief Awareness Day takes place every year on August 30th. The purpose of this day is to acknowledge and raise awareness of how individuals cope with grief and loss. This loss is most often associated with the death of a loved one, but it can also be the result of other life altering situations that may occur in a person’s life, 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
It’s important to keep in mind that coping with the loss of someone or something you love is one of life’s biggest challenges.
THE FIVE STAGES OF 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
A psychiatrist by the name of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross introduced the “five stages of grief.” These stages of grief were based on her studies of the feelings of patients facing terminal illness, but many people have generalized them to other types of negative life changes and losses, such as the death of a loved one or relationship breakup.
Here’s the five stages of grief:
#1 – Denial – “This can’t be happening to me.”
#2 – Anger – “Why is this happening? Who is to blame?”
#3 – Bargaining – “Make this not happen, and in return I will _______.”
#4 – Depression – “I’m too sad to do anything.”
#5 – Acceptance – “I’m at peace with what happened.”
Although experiencing grief is natural, it’s important to find healthy ways to cope with grief.
9 HEALTHY WAYS TO COPE WITH GRIEF
There is no pushing through. But rather, there is absorption. Adjustment. Acceptance. And grief is not something you complete, but rather, you endure. Grief is not a task to finish and move on, but an element of yourself – an alteration of your being. A new way of seeing. A new definition of self. – Gwen Flowers
Despite all of the mixed emotions you feel while grieving, there are healthy ways to cope with the pain, come to terms with your grief, and eventually, find a way to pick up the pieces and move on with your life. Let’s discuss a few of them now.
#1 – Express your grief – Don’t be afraid to acknowledge your pain whether verbal or in written form, but keep in mind that grief can trigger many unexpected emotions at any given time.
#2 – Be gentle with yourself – Understand that your grieving process will be unique to you and help you move forward in life.
#3 – Exercise daily – It’s important to exercise each day even if this means setting small goals for yourself. Exercise helps boost your mood naturally.
#4 – Set a regular sleep schedule – Be sure to create a nighttime routine to help prepare for a full night’s sleep to keep your mind and body healthy.
#5 – Pace yourself – Don’t overbook your schedule or make too many commitments. Allow yourself extra time to rest and process all that is happening in your life.
#6 – Surround yourself with supportive people – Seek out family and friends who accept your grief and care about you.
#7 – Keep a journal – Keeping a journal of personal experiences is one of the most important things you can do to assist in moving through your grief.
#8 – Make a list of goals or activities each day – Create a daily list of goals or activities that need to be done to help you stay on track.
#9 – Seek professional help from your doctor or grief counselor – It may help to speak to your doctor or a grief counselor so you will not fall into depression.
HOW TO SUPPORT GRIEVING LOVED ONES
When the heart grieves, the soul makes a promise. Love will never leave you. – Angie Weiland-Crosby
As individuals are grieving, it’s important to realize that when we lose a loved one, we are losing a part of our lives. Unfortunately, we will never be the same. In most cases, our mental and physical health may suffer as a result.
Here’s three ways to support grieving loved ones:
- Offer them time and space. Your loved one may be feeling all kinds of emotions. Remember to offer them time and space to sort through anything that they may be feeling. Let them know that you are there for them when they want to visit or talk.
- Spend time with them. Be available to spend time with your loved one. Let them talk when they are ready. Encourage them to share positive memories and to stay active.
- Talk to a health care professional or licensed therapist. If your loved one seem to be depressed or abusing drugs/alcohol, talk to a health care professional or a licensed therapist. Offering your loved one support is the best thing to do.
The grief and loss process varies from person to person. When you’re left alone to work through your thoughts, feelings, and emotions seem to be the most difficult time for most people. What’s important to understand is the only way to get through grief is to sit with it, experience it, and talk about it. National Grief Awareness Day reminds us to open our eyes and hearts to the grieving among us. Since grief can come in waves for some people, stay in contact with your loved one and make sure they are aware of your availability during their time of need. After all, grief is not only for one day, but it’s for a life time.
SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS
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. Upon entering the journaling process, you will find that you are able to reflect freely without judgement. Now, close your eyes and clear your mind. Grab your pen/pencil. Open your journal or notebook. Then, use these helpful journal prompts to help you enjoy your autumn activities:
- How do you define grief and loss?
- What is grief trying to tell you?
- How can you begin to make space for grief instead of avoiding it?
- What are some of your saddest moments when you feel grief?
- What wisdom have you learned from grief?
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
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