When a loved one dies, it can be hard to imagine life without them in it. But somehow, life continues whether you are ready for it to or not. This fact is never more present than when we start a new year. But how do you move on when you’re grieving the loss of a loved one?
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Moving on doesn’t mean letting go
When you are grieving it’s almost impossible to imagine life without your loved one. But as the days go by, you’ll see that daily activities resume, and people seem to be going about their lives. Work responsibilities return, children’s school and extracurricular activities require your involvement, birthdays and holidays are celebrated, trips are planned. Life is continuing without your loved one.
For many, there tends to be guilt tied to moving on. But continuing with your life doesn’t mean forgetting. It’s simply learning to live without that person in your everyday life and taking their memories with you. It’s your chance to pay tribute to your loved one and honor them as you begin the healing process of living without them.
You take their memories with you
While life continues, your desire to stay put can be stronger than ever for fear that you will forget not only the loved one you’re grieving for, but the way you lived your life with them in it. But part of the healing process tied to moving on is learning to live again – happily and productively.
It’s important to remember that while their constant presence will be gone, their memory and the love you shared will always remain. These memories and feelings will provide you the strength you need as you begin the next chapter of your life.
You do it in your own time, in your own way
No matter if your loved one died 4 years ago, 4 weeks ago or 4 days ago, the healing process is different for everyone. Some may be ready to take the next step into their new life sooner than others. There is no timetable and no rule telling you when to move on. Only you will know when you’re ready, keeping in mind that moving on doesn’t mean that your grief or pain is gone. Some days will be easier than others and some days will be especially challenging. The grief process is about learning to live again, and it doesn’t happen overnight. It’s more about moving forward than moving on and eventually settling into a routine that works for you.
You’re not alone
Don’t forget that you aren’t alone and there are people who can help you through this process. There is comfort in knowing you’re not alone, there are others going through the grieving process as well, and that the feelings you have are OK. You shouldn’t feel like you must face this alone. There are people who can help you through the process as you come to terms with your grief. Find a friend you can confide in, seek a licensed therapist, or find support through grief counseling groups at your place of worship, retirement homes, hospitals or even funeral homes. Sometimes one of the most important things you can do is let others share the grief with you.
Contact Accu-Care Cremation and Funerals for any questions you may have.