THINGS TO DO AFTER LOSING LOVE ONES

From personal experience keep in mind when grieving not to make any big life changing decisions. You're not in the right headspace and need time to process your loss. Making rash decisions when you feel lost and vulnerable could end up being something you regret.

Your loved one is free from any suffering or pain and in a better place. I believe when it's your time you will be together again. I try to keep in mind that loved ones wouldn't want you to be sad and depressed. They would want you to move on and live your life to the fullest.

They will always be there in your heart and in the memories you hold. Gives some comfort to think they are watching over, guiding and protecting you.

Everyone grieves different and you go through so many stages. Go easy on yourself and don't let others tell you how you should feel. There is no timeline in getting over the loss of a loved one. You're emotions will be all over the place, take it day by day. Some people are more sensitive than others and that's okay.

Having someone to talk to about your feelings is so important. Keeping everything bottled up is like a ticking time bomb and at some point you will explode. Try not close down and shut out the world even if it's the only thing you want to do. Lean on your family/close friends at this time, they're the ones that will get you through. Grief counselling is a great way to help you process your loss and maybe give you coping skills to get through life without your loved one.

There's always going to be sad days or when the grief hits you out of nowhere. Learning new coping skills and the ability to change your mindset honestly helps. It does get easier even if it doesn't feel like it now. Time does help maybe not heal the pain completely but after a while days won't seem so hard. You will eventually have happy days and try not let yourself feel guilty for that.

The absolute first thing - and this is really important - loved ones have many (other) close family and friends too - all of whom have lost a part of themselves with the loss of “Your” loved one. Realize and accept your loss - but understand it never always just about just you - there are others here too. If you were real close then you also bear the responsibility of helping lighten and lessen the grief of others who are suffering too. Nobody travels through life truly alone - the ripples of each life spread outwards - as the closest person, those ripples hit us first - but they will hit all others too. I have understood that when you reach out to share with others - others reach back and share with you too - and by some great “magic” the grief becomes lighter for all - easier for all - small joys are created and shared - and no - the grief stages all have to be lived through - no one can take those away - but when shared - no grief breaks anyone - all are linked and helped from falling. And during your journey through grief - look forward - feel backwards. The dead are gone - you live on. Take time to take care of “you.” Take time to look ahead as that is where you will be. Feel the past, hold on to the best memories and feelings and mementoes of the past - but keep your attention on the present and the future as that is where you are inevitably going to find yourself. If you have learned to help others - they in turn have the grace to help you too. Often in ways you would never find out if you ignored them while allowing your own feelings of grief to trap you in the past. No true lover in this life wishes you to be imprisoned by memories and past loyalties - all true lovers wish for you to be free to move into your own future.