Grief: Finding Strength in Moving Forward

For those who are reading this, chances are you probably have experienced some form of grief at some point in your life or you’re currently grieving someone or something. Losing someone or something important in our life can definitely turn our world upside down in a way that leaves us devastated and unsure of how to proceed with our life afterwards.

A lot of us want to move on from grief. We’re waiting for life to feel normal again. We want to feel like ourselves again. But grief isn't something that we're meant to move on from. It’s something we're meant to move with. It’s important to understand that experiencing grief does change us in many ways. You’re not the same person as you were before. Your interests, priorities, and what you care about may change. Your entire perception of life may change. Remember that you're not meant to come out on the other side of grief being the same person you were when you went into it. There’s no silver lining in loss but there is always more to gain from life. So as painful as it can be to experience the loss of someone or something, remember that you will come out stronger. It's important to remember that while grief changes us, it also offers us the opportunity to grow. Our grief will always be a part of who we are. We should pick up the pieces and move forward, finding strength in the process of moving ahead.

When one thinks of grief, it's often associated with bereavement that is the death of a loved one, but many other types of losses can also cause people to experience grief such as loss of a job, friendship, relationship breakup/divorce, miscarriage, loss of financial stability and other major life changes. Moving forward with grief means acknowledging and addressing this pain, embracing your feelings, and finding ways to live a meaningful life despite the loss you have experienced. Here are some ways you can start to find strength in your grief:

  • Let yourself feel whatever emotions come up for you as grief can bring a range of different emotions within us; whether it’s sadness, anger, confusion, or even moments of joy. Remember that each feeling is a part of your healing process. By allowing yourself to feel these emotions that arise for you, you’re acknowledging the significance of your loss and the love you had.

  • The experience of grief can feel overwhelming, making you want to isolate yourself from others, but keep in mind you don’t have to go through it all alone. It’s important to have a support system in place and to reach out to friends and family. Talking openly about your feelings and sharing your memories with others can offer comfort and strength.

  • Grief can have significant effects on both your mind and body. It is important to make sure you are prioritizing your physical self-care such as eating well, getting adequate sleep, and taking part in physical activity. When you look after your physical health, you will notice the positive impact it will have on your emotional well-being. This will give you the strength you need to cope with your loss.

  • If your grief just feels like it’s too much for you to manage on your own, reach out to a mental health professional either a therapist or counsellor for support. They can provide you with the appropriate tools and resources to help you better be able to manage your grief and support you through your healing journey.

  • Engaging in various activities that help you find meaning and a sense of purpose in your life can be an incredible way to help you heal. This can be you taking time to volunteer in the community, pursue a passion of yours or dedicate yourself to a cause or charity that was important to your loved one. Finding purpose can help to honor their memory and integrate their loss into your life in a positive way

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