Today we are going to discuss a very important topic, one we will all deal with in many, many ways throughout our lives – Grief and loss/change.
With it being Father’s Day yesterday and with the subject of the week - I’d like to start off by giving a quick special mention to my own Daddy, who 23 years ago made his decision to leave this earth and ended his life.
Today, as I reflect on my journey with him and in heartfelt gratitude to this work, my focus is on – not loss but love.
The gifts he brought to me, the quantum growth I’ve had over the last two decades, and the number of people I’ve been able to help. Thank you dad.
As while the loss of a loved one is often the most recognised form of grief, it's important to acknowledge that we can experience deep sorrow and mourning from a variety of losses throughout our lives.
The end of a cherished relationship, be it through divorce or a friendship falling apart, can leave a profound void. Similarly, losing a job, facing a decline in health, or experiencing significant life changes can all trigger feelings of grief.
Each of these experiences challenges us to navigate through a range of emotions, from denial and anger to acceptance and growth.
Many people struggle to cope with these overwhelming emotions, and a common response I often see with my 1-1 clients is 'numbing out.' To avoid confronting the pain and discomfort, individuals may turn to alcohol, drugs, overworking, overeating, undereating, excessive shopping, among many coping mechanisms. These coping mechanisms provide temporary relief but can ultimately hinder the healing process and lead to additional problems.
By acknowledging the breadth of grief and the unhealthy ways we might try to escape it, we can better support ourselves and others.
Affirmation of the week.. ?
"I honour my feelings by allowing myself to feel my emotions fully as they arise.
My peace will be restored, one small step at a time.”
As you navigate through the complexities of grief and or loss, I invite you to engage with the following reflective journalling prompts, acknowledging that each step you take is a part of your unique healing journey.
Remember that everyone’s journey through grief/loss is unique, and your experience with these prompts will vary based on your individual circumstances and where you are in your healing process.
Sometimes, it may be too early to engage in this type of reflection if you are very challenged by a recent event, so proceed with awareness and compassion for yourself, and only if you feel comfortable to do so.
- Reflection;
- How has the recent loss or event affected you?
Note any changes in your daily routines, relationships, or your sense of self.
- Expression;
- What range of emotions are you currently experiencing in response to this?
Allow yourself to feel and express whatever comes up, whether it's rejection, sadness, anger, frustration, confusion, or relief without judgment or censorship.
- Memories and Moments;
- Can you recall a specific memory or moment shared with what or who you've lost that holds significant meaning to you? How does revisiting this memory make you feel, and what insights does it offer about your life?
- Hope and Healing;
- What small steps can you take to nurture yourself and cultivate healing during this time? How can you integrate self-care practices, support systems, and activities that bring you joy into your daily life?
As you engage with these reflective prompts, remember to approach yourself with kindness and compassion. Healing from grief and loss is a journey that unfolds at its own pace, and there is no right or wrong way to navigate it.
Allow yourself the space to feel your emotions, cherish your memories, and explore avenues of hope and healing.
Know that you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources and support systems available to guide you through.
By honoring your unique experience and taking intentional steps towards healing, you empower yourself to embrace the full spectrum of emotions and emerge stronger, more resilient, and with newfound clarity and purpose.
If you feel like you need more support on this – please don’t hesitate to reach out.
“If we could look into each other’s hearts and understand the unique challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other much more gently, with much more love, patience, tolerance, and care.” ~ Marvin J. Ashton