For those that have been here before welcome back. We are your hosts, BJ 'n Cindy. We own and operate this site as well as the sister sites. Grieving is an incredibly difficult experience. It can be difficult to know where to begin when it comes to healing and coping with the loss of a dear friend or family member. Self-care is essential, and here are some recommended practices from Military Wives that can help you during this trying time.
Give Yourself Time
You need to take time for yourself to fully process your emotions and grieve in whatever way feels most natural for you. Make sure that you're taking breaks from work or other activities as needed so that you can focus on yourself and your well-being during this process. Allow yourself to be honest about your emotions and express them in whatever way feels best for you.
Express Your Emotions
It's important for us all, especially during such a trying time, to take care of ourselves emotionally by expressing our feelings in healthy ways. Writing down our thoughts and feelings in a journal can be immensely helpful. Likewise, spending time outdoors in nature has been proven to have calming effects on our psychological health. Engaging in activities or pursuing hobbies like knitting or painting proves helpful, too.
Honor Their Memory
Creating space each day to remember your loved one can be an invaluable tool in helping you cope with loss. Finding ways to honor their memory is a crucial self-care practice that can help you on the road to healing. Whether it’s compiling a scrapbook of photos and stories, writing down your favorite memories, or telling your favorite jokes to friends, honor them and their presence in your life in whatever way feels right for you. Creating works of art as an ode to them, investing yourself deeply into causes they cared about, or beginning new traditions are also options that provide comfort and closure during this time. Keep their memory alive while also allowing you to grapple with the grief and find peace.
Celebrate Your Loved One
Having a bronze plaque created to honor your lost loved one is more than just commemorating their memory. These custom options are an excellent way to celebrate the life of the person while you heal. Bronze plaques that carry a special message or have meaningful symbols incorporated into them are a beautiful way to memorialize your loved one — they last forever and can then be passed on through generations.
Connect With Others in Mourning
Don't forget that there are likely others out there who are grieving a loss, as well. Friends, family members, colleagues, or even strangers have experienced similar situations. It can often be beneficial to connect with people who understand what it's like going through this type of grief since we're not meant to go through it alone. Reach out and talk about your emotions — something as simple as speaking with someone else might be just the thing you need at the moment.
Though the pain of losing a loved one never entirely goes away, there are things you can do to ease the grieving process. By incorporating self-care practices into your routine, you will start to feel like yourself again. Give yourself time to grieve and be patient. Most importantly, be kind to yourself during this difficult time.
contributed by Lucille Rosetti