On your own terms

Grieving can appear in many forms over a lifetime. From an end of a friendship, divorce, or a death of a loved one. Throughout life we create emotional connections with other relational creatures. These connections are encompassed with special moments, memories, inside jokes, and laughs that are irreplaceable. These relationships may even be with an animal that is a part of the family, just as much as anyone else. If we are granted with an opportunity for prosperous relationships, then we are also granted with an opportunity of expiry. With every life is death. Subsequently, with every death, there is life. The end of a paramount relationship can have vast effects on us not only emotionally, but physically as well. Grieving is the process that your mind, body and soul must go through to accept the situation for what it truly is.

Waking up every day and expecting your son to be in his room or calling your mother when you receive that job promotion you’ve been waiting for, or even taking your dog for a walk each morning become routine, yet these moments may not always be an option. When we grieve it may be beneficial to accept what we cannot change and try to embrace the present moment. At some point in our lives we will experience grieving and the yielding effects. However, don’t forget, “each their own”. Grieving is a process that challenges everyone differently. Each person will grieve on their own terms in their own time. There is no time limit on dealing with a loss. It is important to remind yourself that you are human, and you are healing. Be patient with yourself. There is only one you in this world!

Here are some resources to help aid those grieving…

Resources:

Book: The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully by Frank Ostaseski, Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. (Foreword by)

Article: Grief: Coping with the loss of your loved one http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/grief.aspx

Blog: A list of things that may be able to help you live your best life while grieving at your own pace. https://www.buzzfeed.com/augustafalletta/27-things-that-can-really-help-you-while-youre-grieving?utm_term=.stpQ18d12#.qyoWa0Zar

Apps: Headspace

Therapy: Find someone to talk to in your area, with reviews and credentialing available. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us