Getting Through Grief

My good friend Rebecca summed up the grief experience in one sentence: “Everything about it pretty much blows.” Somehow I found relief in that statement. Yes, it was going to be an awful time. A weight was lifted off of my shoulders. I didn’t have to look for the silver lining or the life lesson. I didn’t have to be strong or put on a brave face. I could just be devastated.

Try to care for yourself as you would care for a child. Be kind to yourself. Be gentle. Eat healthy meals and get some exercise. Take walks. Spend time with people who love you. Do things that make you feel good: get a massage, play golf with a friend, watch a movie, read, go to the beach, go swimming, hike to a scenic overlook, listen to music, plant flowers, volunteer, tutor, and so on.

Be patient with yourself. Grief can be a long and arduous process, but eventually, you will recover and heal.