Healing is different for everyone. There is no one set way; nor is it linear.
The grieving process can take many different forms and layers. Many different feelings can come in waves and result in a range of emotions like anger, sadness, and guilt.
And with the holidays here, “holiday cheer” can be one of the toughest things to deal with.
Music, parties, and festive decorations can all serve as painful reminders of the loss of a loved one. What is supposed to be a happy time with loved ones and being involved in holiday traditions may end up being the opposite. The following are ways to help cope with grief and loss during this holiday season.
1. Celebrate what feels true to you
There is no right or wrong way how you celebrate the holidays. Find something that is special to you in celebrating the holidays and the memory of your loved one. It can be a big celebration or a quiet reflection by yourself. Whatever you feel is right to honor them and bring yourself peace and some form of happiness. Any of these feelings and a form of serenity is helpful.
2. Know that it’s still a journey
If your loss is recent or even years ago, honoring the holiday authentically to you is important. Give yourself grace. Understand that you may feel happiness followed by moments of sadness and grief. Know and try to be open to yourself that this is still a journey and it’s ok to have ups and downs. There is nothing that says once a certain period of time goes by you have to forget. But allowing yourself to accept the journey will help you get to a place where you find that happiness.
3. Don’t be rigid
You’re not locked into certain practices. While you may feel an obligation because of how things were done before, there is nothing wrong with making alterations. Maybe it’s adding to a recipe or trying a take on a new dish. Allowing yourself to be flexible to change will allow you to let go of potential pent up resentment. Don’t look at it so much as disrespecting their memory as honoring it in your own special way.
4. Affirmations and mantras can be helpfulHanecak Law Inc
Self-affirmations are proven to enhance overall health and outlook on life. Just like how you may celebrate, there is nothing that is right or wrong. This can be a simple sentence that says “while I know this person has passed, their love will always remain.” You may keep this to yourself or even share it with others who are close to you to say together.
5. Share memories with others
While your memories may be personal to you, sharing them with others may bring you closer together around the one you’ve lost. It may help you see them in a way you hadn’t before or help to affirm the love you feel for them.
Whether you’ve lost a loved one long ago or recently, we hope that these tips can help you through any tough times these holidays. We wish you the best in the coming New Year from Car Accident Attorney, Hanecak, P.C.
Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney
My name is Dan Hanecak and I am a Sacramento wrongful death attorney. My office isn’t like other law firms. When you call, I will answer the phone and speak to you about your case immediately. If you have questions about an injury, please give me a call today for free and friendly advice.
You can reach me at (916) 619-5452 or fill out a form on our website and I will give you a call back personally.
