Grief is a natural reaction to the loss of someone you love
or something important to you.
You’re grieving and you feel completely broken.
Your loss feels heavy… overwhelming.
You’re sitting alone in a dark, terrifying place with a broken heart… endless, unstoppable tears… wondering if the pain will EVER relent.
You have no idea what to do or how you will ever learn to live again.
Grief Has No Timeline
Your sadness is real and it’s for good reason. There is no fixed timeline.
Let your tears flow. It’s not wrong. It hurts… and it’s okay.
Grieving may be universal, but you must express it in your own unique way.
Grief is not a sign of weakness. It’s the natural reaction to loss.
Your heart is broken in a million pieces. The loss casts a huge shadow over your life. What once made sense no longer does.
You’re fighting emotions you don’t know how to deal with, and at the same time, you’re trying to simply function.
You’re learning to adjust to an alternate life. You’re becoming a new person, whether you want to or not.
The dreams and plans you had have crumbled. Now you have to start the painful process of searching for a new life… new dreams… new plans.
You do your best to push through the pain… go through the motions. But… with your shattered heart laying all over the place, how do you move forward?
Grief is like the tides of the ocean. It flows in and out. One moment you feel fine, then in a heartbeat, debilitating tears, frustration, and sorrow hit you like a smashing wave that knocks you flat.
It’s okay. Allow yourself to be in the moment, no matter how long that moment lasts. It will pass.
Living Over Existing
You need a safe place to learn how to live again. You need someone to sit with you. Cry with you. Validate your pain.
Often, those around you may not understand what you’re going through unless they have been there themselves, so help them understand.
Don’t be afraid to…
Tell your story.
Share your pain.
It will help you and it will help them.
I know it feels like you’re suffocating. Grief is devastating and unrelenting.
And then… one day, the darkness will begin to fade. You’ll see light begin to peek through at the end of this very dark road.
You’ll turn the page and open a new chapter, one filled with possibilities.
Until then, it is one moment at a time… one day at a time… one step at a time.
What Feels Like The End Is Often A New Beginning
Your loss, your heartache and your fragility are life changing. Still… your loss doesn’t define you.
You’re so much more. You’re strong. You’re courageous. You still have so much life to live.
Even if living beyond your loss feels impossible right now, there ARE better days ahead.
And then… one day, the darkness will begin to fade. You’ll see light begin to peek through at the end of this very dark road.
Grief is bittersweet. It never leaves you entirely, even when you’re feeling happy. It’s looking back while moving forward.
Even so, you CAN turn the page, put yourself back together and begin anew.
You’re not alone.
Life After Loss Is Rebirth
I don’t think learning to live after loss is about simply pushing through the grief or looking back on the event and the pain it brought. Rather it’s deciding who you want to become after your loss.
Can you see yourself creating a vision for your life… making a difference to your family, circle of friends, co-workers, or even the world?
Start by learning to live in the moment. This means living your life consciously, aware that each moment you breathe is a gift. It doesn’t matter what brought you here.
Take the time to meditate, recharge, express gratitude and pause to experience life and all its joys, wonders and love.
Start now.
Getting Support And Guidance
While you may be tempted to try and bury, defer or ignore your grief, this path almost always leads to depression, trauma and dysfunction soon after the loss.
Emotions related to grief include sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger and despair. Physical reactions to grief can include problems sleeping, changes in appetite, physical issues and even illness.
While grieving is an essential aspect of human life and must be embraced head-on, support and guidance from someone who has experienced EXACTLY what you are going through is crucial.
With support and guidance, plus some necessary tools and resources, you will begin the healing process so that you can discover how you want to live after your loss, and what you want and don’t want your future life to look like.
I Feel Your Pain
My dear sister in arms, I wish you didn’t have to experience the pain and heartbreak of loss. The agony is relentless and you can’t begin to imagine ever feeling better.
You’re not alone even though loneliness and hopelessness consumes you night and day. You’re now part of a sisterhood, one you didn’t signup for. There is no celebration — only tears and heartache.
I’m so sorry. I understand the pain you’re in and I’m here. We’re all here with you and for you — even though we would all give nearly anything not to be.
I have your back. Your sisters have your back. Individually or collectively you have the support you need and want. All you have to do is reach out.
