When we lose someone we love, grief can feel all-consuming to our thoughts and feelings. We might wonder if we’ll ever feel “normal” again or always be stuck in the sadness and pain of our loss.Â
In this article, Julia Samuel, a grief specialist, shares insights on the healing process, the importance of support from family members, friends, and grief counselors, and how to navigate the grieving journey after the death of a loved one.Â
Discover how to recognize and cope with the symptoms of grief, the role of a grief counselor and support group, and find solace in treasured memories while gradually building a life that honors the memory of your loved one.
Understanding the Healing Process
Julia Samuel, a grief counselor specializing in healing from the death of a loved one, is frequently asked about the timeline in order to heal and feel better. Grieving is a process that takes longer than most of us anticipate or desire. Part of the healing journey involves letting go of the expectation of returning to a pre-loss state and instead learning to accommodate grief into our lives, allowing it to shape and transform us.
The Overwhelming Initial Stage
Initially, grief can dominate our thoughts and emotions, consuming our entire being. However, as time passes, we learn to build our lives around grief, expanding beyond it. Healing from grief is not about getting over it; it’s about learning to live with it.
The Non-Linear Nature of Grief
This process can be challenging and does not adhere to a fixed timeline. It can be non-linear, and even after processing our emotions, we may still experience days of intense sadness. It’s important to remember that this is normal, and allowing ourselves to feel those emotions when they arise is crucial. Accepting emotions plays and important part when it comes to grieving the loss of a loved one.Â
Accommodating Grief: Honoring the Memory
But what does it mean to accommodate grief? It means investing in living our lives while acknowledging the pain of our response to loss and maintaining a connection with the person who has passed away.
For example, we can create touchstones that remind us of our lost loved ones, such as wearing their favorite scarf or cooking their cherished recipe. These acts help us honor their memory while navigating our own healing.
Building a Life that Coexists with Grief
Healing from grief is a personal journey, unique to each individual. By learning to accommodate the pain and suffering, we can build lives that pay tribute to our loved ones while still allowing ourselves to move forward.
Helpful Tips for Healing
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
Learn to Accommodate Grief: Integrate grief into your life instead of striving to return to “normal.”
Be Kind to Yourself: Embrace moments of sadness, even if you’ve processed your emotions. Consider joining support communities like the Grief Works’ Facebook Community, where you can engage with grief specialist Julia Samuel during monthly live sessions.
Maintain a Connection: Establish rituals or use touchstones that remind you of your loved one who has passed away.
Recognize the Duration of Grief: Understand that grief may last longer than expected or desired, but you can construct a life that coexists with it and learn to live alongside the pain.
Focus on Living: Engage in activities that bring you joy, experience love, and actively participate in the world around you. Spend time with friends and family.Â
Discover Grief Support with Grief Works by Illume
Seeking support during the grieving process is essential. Rest assured, the Grief Works app is here to assist you. It provides guidance to overcome grief, offers a caring community, monthly live calls with Julia Samuel, and the opportunity to chat with a therapist when needed.
Additionally, the app includes a built-in journal for your daily reflections and follows the Grief Works Curriculum to help you navigate this healing journey.
Remember, healing from grief takes time, and finding the right support can make all the difference.
