Good Grief

Today, I am diving into a topic that touches us all at some point in our lives: grief. It's a complex and challenging emotion, but it's also an essential part of the human experience. First, let's understand what grief really is. Grief is the natural response to loss, whether it's the loss of a loved one, a job, a relationship, or even a pet. It's a deep and multifaceted emotion that can manifest in various ways. Some common emotions include sadness, anger, guilt, and even relief. Many of you might be familiar with the stages of grief, as proposed by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. However, it's important to note that these stages aren't linear, and everyone's grief journey is unique. Grief can have profound physical and emotional effects on us. It can disrupt our sleep patterns, appetite, and even our ability to concentrate. Emotionally, it can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, with moments of intense sadness and moments of seeming normalcy. Friday I attended the service of a friend of my husband and I. It was at the DFW National Cemetery. Just seeing all the markers of the many service members that have given to the freedom of our country is very moving. During the 21 gun salute and the playing of taps I was overwhelmed with deep emotion and grief. The memory of standing at two other services where this custom was observed, my first husband and my father brought up grief feelings for me. I embraced the feelings and felt gratitude for the ability to feel my feelings today, even grief. The longer I live the more grief I have experienced from life's loses of loved ones, friends and pets. The auctual aging process and the loss of youth has caused me grief. The main thing today that I do is embrace the grief and talk about it with my safe peeps.

The thing I witness in my counseling people is being stuck in one of the phases of grief and never getting to the acceptance of that grief. Navigating grief can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help you cope during this difficult time. One of the most important steps is to allow yourself to grieve and feel your emotions without judgment. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist who can provide a safe space for you to express your feelings and move through all phases.

1. Create a grief journal to document your thoughts and emotions. 2. Engage in self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or creative outlets. 3. Connect with a grief support group to share your experiences with others who understand. 4. Consider therapy or counseling to explore your grief in a therapeutic setting."

While grief may never completely go away, it is possible to find hope and healing as you move through your journey. It's essential to remember that healing doesn't mean forgetting; it means finding a way to carry your grief with you while still living a meaningful life. Nature can play a significant role in the healing process. Spending time outdoors, in serene places can provide solace and a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves. In conclusion, grief is a universal human experience, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. What matters most is that you allow yourself the time and space to process your emotions, seek support when needed, and find your own path to healing and hope. Remember, you're not alone in this journey.