I usually write to you about confidence, belief, trust, mindset, mindfulness, self care and all those positive emotions needed to live a fulfilled life and career. This blog post I want to share what I'm learning about another human emotion - grief.
Grief is such a crazy hard loving emotion. I recently lost my father and as I navigate through the inconsistent waves of it, I hear myself crying uncontrollably in all the spaces...like a park bench after a morning bike ride, or on my yoga mat...
and of course in the car!
I'd like to pass along 5 points I read about and have been incorporating as best as I can in my grief moments:
Give yourself permission to feel whatever emotions come up without judgment: Allow yourself to cry or express your emotions in a way that feels comfortable for you.
..So my crying is ok and expected!
Seek support: Grief can be isolating, but you don't have to go through it alone. Reach out to friends and family for support, or consider seeking professional help.
..I've been wearing my heart on my sleeve and reaching out to friends, family and fellow coaches when I get hit with a wave.
Take care of yourself: Grief can be exhausting, both emotionally and physically. Take care of yourself by eating healthy, getting enough rest, and engaging in activities that bring you comfort and joy.
..Still trying to get better at this one. I know I've been distracting myself with food, so I've got more practice to do here.
Find meaning in the loss: While it may be difficult to see it at the time, experiencing grief can help us grow and find new meaning in life. Consider ways to honor the person or thing you have lost, such as volunteering, creating a memory box, or starting a new tradition in their memory.
..This is a wonderful idea!
Be patient and kind to yourself: Grief is a process, and it's important to be patient and kind to yourself as you navigate it. There is no "right" way to grieve, and everyone's experience is unique.
..Patience and kindness w/ self is always a great practice -
grief or no grief!
I really do believe that it's possible to find healing and meaning in the midst of loss. Hope you find these tips helpful in your time of grief.
xoxo,
Patricia