The holiday season often brings to mind images of joy, family gatherings, and celebrations. But for those who are grieving, it can be a challenging time filled with all kinds of thoughts and emotions that are difficult to navigate. If you are facing grief during the holidays, know that you're not alone, and there are ways to find solace and healing. 🕯️
Journal Your Journey 📖
Grief can be like a tangled web of emotions, making it hard to find clarity. One powerful tool is journaling. Write about your feelings and experiences. It is a way to untangle or work through those emotions. Reflect on your cherished memories of your loved one, allowing their presence to be felt during this season. 💌
Find ways to share your memories and feelings. If you are ready. Read a journal entry outloud. Create a post, article, or private message/email to a trusted circle. We need to feel seen, heard, and accepted. These types of activities can help.
Set Realistic Expectations 🎄🎁
Holidays may not shine as brightly as they once did, and that is perfectly okay. Don't pressure yourself to be jolly. Give yourself permission to feel whatever you are feeling, whether it's joy, sadness, or something in between. There's no right or wrong way to grieve. 💔
Understand that others will not feel your feelings. Others may or may not have the capacity to support you and your experience. Do not waste your time trying to change the thoughts and opinions of those who cannot support you. Even if they are loved ones. They are on their own journey in life. Focus on yourself and seek out the support and community you need.
Connecting Through Conversation 🗣️
Talk to people you trust about your feelings. Sharing your thoughts with a friend, family member, therapist, or grief counselor (or all of the above!) can provide invaluable support and help you process your grief. You do not have to go through this journey alone.
If you find yourself in crisis or need of a supporting ear at a time when your support network cannot be there, consider reaching out to 988 via phone, text, or chat. With over 200 centers across the United States, there is always someone standing by.
Self-Care is Key 🏃♀️
Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is crucial. Make sure you are nourishing your body with healthy meals, getting enough rest, and staying active. These self-care practices can boost your mood and energy levels, providing a more stable foundation during the holidays.
Don't be a cranky-pants Scrooge because you are not feeling well. Grief is tough, brutal even. You need to fortify in every way possible to get through. You matter and taking care of yourself is a key aspect of healing. ❤️🩹
Give Back and Create Something New 🌏 |
Expressing yourself creatively can be therapeutic. Consider taking online classes or exploring hobbies you love. Dig into your passions—or explore and find new ones!
When you find something that truly resonates, look for an IRL (in real life) group, class, or activity. Balancing online and IRL experiences can provide a sense of connection and fulfillment. 🤗
Practical Tips for Real Life 🌦️
- Set boundaries. It's perfectly acceptable to decline invitations or activities that don't feel right for you.
- Take breaks when needed. When the festivities become overwhelming, step away and take time for yourself.
- Be gentle with yourself. Grieving is a journey, and it takes patience and self-compassion. Loving yourself is crucial.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help 🌈
If you find yourself struggling to cope with grief, please ask for help. Whether from friends, family, or a professional, support is available. You are not alone - even when it feels like it.
We are only human—we are all going to experience grief. There are many resources and communities ready to lend a helping hand. Try and be patient with yourself, as healing takes time. There is no blueprint for grief, so find your own path and know that you are not walking it alone.
As you navigate the holiday season, remember that your journey is unique, and it's okay to feel a mix of emotions. Self-expression, creativity, and a balance between online and real-life activities can be your allies in this journey towards healing. 🌠
Additional reading:
- The Healing Power of Grief Journaling (post)
- 100 Things About Grief (list)
- Navigating Grief - Raw Journey of Healing (personal story)
- What's Your Grief (website)
- 64 Things I Wish Some Had Told Me About Grief (article)
