Grief is a universal human experience, one that often leaves us feeling lost, overwhelmed, and heartbroken.
When a loved one dies, we are faced with the daunting task of processing our emotions and finding a way to move forward.
While grief is a natural and necessary part of life, it can be a challenging journey if we do not cope with this process properly.
No, I don't take photos of me crying. But I do record myself and watch at a later time. This is how I vent. How I heal.
This year I lost the person who was my ultimate best friend for life as one would call them. He was my best friend truly.
We looked out for each other.
We healed each other as we were so different yet the same person just years apart and from different backgrounds.
I can say it was a love I will treasure for life. Not a romantic one but one that was true, platonic, and like family. I had never lost anyone aside from grandparents who died of natural causes and at old age.
This hit me like a tornado. An earthquake. A blow to my core and felt as if someone had punched me in the stomach and I couldn't breathe, while someone else kicked my elbows, achiles heel, and others kicked me - all at once.
I sound dramatic but it was truly a soul-ache. I made this term up. I couldn't describe it otherwise, so I wrote this:
1. Embrace Your Emotions:
"Grief is the price we pay for love." – Queen Elizabeth II
When a loved one passes away, it's normal to experience a whirlwind of emotions, from sadness and anger to guilt and confusion. Embrace these feelings; they are a testament to the love you shared.
Allow yourself to cry, scream, and laugh at the memories. Remember that healing begins with acknowledging your emotions.
This was a photo I had to take before I moved out of my home and state I had been in. The door was significant. Sometimes we wait for those we didn't end in good terms with to show up. I remember always checking the door and hopefully seeing my best friend come apologize, but tomorrow never came.
Embrace your emotions. I share my raw feelings and experiences because I want others to resonate and know you don't have to hold it together. Sometimes we fall apart.
Sometimes we fall apart to come back together transformed.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." – Psalm 34:18
2. Seek Support:
You don't have to go through this alone.
During times of grief, it's essential to lean on your support system.
Friends, family, and support groups can provide comfort and understanding when you need it most. Sharing your feelings with others can be cathartic and can help you realize that you are not alone in your pain.
Pain of loss is inevitable.
The more we hold back the emotions the less we heal.
I am grateful for my support system through this loss as it was unreal to me. Seek support. I also started seeing a therapist. Therapy is good for the soul. Don't feel labeled as if you're unstable for seeking one.
Put you first.
Forgive them, forgive the situation, and forgive yourself.
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ." – Galatians 6:2
3. Create Rituals of Remembrance:
"Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day."
Honoring your loved one's memory can be a powerful way to cope with grief. Create rituals or traditions that allow you to remember and celebrate their life. This could include lighting a candle, visiting their favorite place, or dedicating a special day to them.
For me, I am working on a book and a few projects to honor my best friend that will tell our story and more. I haven't been able to finish my book as I needed the story to have an ending. Even then I wasn't ready to share it.
Now I am.
Becoming a Butterfly will be out soon. I can't wait to share my story with the world in hopes to inspire others to become a butterfly.
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." – Matthew 18:20
4. Take Care of Your Physical and Emotional Well-being:
"Self-care is how you take your power back."
Grief can take a toll on your physical and emotional health. Make self-care a priority during this time. Eat nourishing foods, exercise regularly, get plenty of rest, and consider seeking professional help if needed. Taking care of your well-being is essential for healing.
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?" – 1 Corinthians 6:19
5. Find Meaning and Purpose:
Out of difficulties grow miracles. YES.
As you navigate the path of grief, you may find meaning and purpose in unexpected places. Consider channeling your pain into a creative outlet, volunteering, or pursuing a cause that was important to your loved one. Finding meaning can help you move forward with a sense of purpose.
"And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him." – Romans 8:28
Grief is a journey that takes time and patience. While the pain of loss may never fully disappear, it can become more manageable with time and support. Embrace your emotions, seek help when needed, remember your loved one with love and honor, take care of yourself, and find meaning in the midst of grief.
Ultimately, faith and time can help you heal and move forward, keeping the memory of your loved one alive in your heart.
God is the only one who can heal you.
He healed me.
I was broken to tiny pieces after so much loss and grief. But He put me back together.
He had me resurrect.
Rebirth happened.
The old me is gone.
The new one is here.
With the perspective of appreciation and taking life by the horns and being brave to continue on.
Be strong for those you lost.
Celebrate them and make them proud.
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
I still cry every now and then.
I scream, I break down, and I try to understand that I couldn't do anything to save them.
Life and death is part of purpose of all of our journeys and soul missions this life time.
But I came to understand I gained a new guardian angel.
We can lose those we love in this physical realm but understand its all spiritual.
We all are spiritual beings having an earthly experience.
Grow, flow, then glow.
Honor them while doing so.
Most importantly, take the time to truly heal.
Don't push the pain away to avoid it.
Face it.
Isolate if needed.
I took a few weeks, months, and now feel ready to continue with happiness, love, and inspiration again from the situation.
Baby steps.
Connect with your loved one who passed spiritually.
For me, I am highly intuitive and connect with my new angel often now. Its incredible to see the universe and synchronicities show you how real they are and still very much alive in spirit.
