Grief is our reaction to loss, which can come in many different shapes or forms. When talking about loss, we usually think of a loved one or a dear pet dying. Then there is loss that is less talked about in our society, like miscarriage and its impact on relationships, or becoming an empty nester or moving into menopause, which means losing a part of your identity. And we also experience smaller losses in our everyday lives, like our favourite mug falling on the floor and breaking or our favourite TV show ending ;-)
Unfortunately, our society doesn’t allow much space for grief. Grieving is a process and it looks different for everyone, yet often we’re expected (or expect from ourselves) to go “back to normal” as soon as possible and behave as though nothing has changed. But the world may have been turned upside down inside and we can feel utterly alone.
How can we support ourselves in these times?
Imagine a child losing its favourite chestnut or acorn it had collected during a lovely walk with the parents. What would it do, what did we do as children? We cried. We mourned. We let the grief wash over us in waves, as many waves as were needed. Until something shifted inside, we had completed this cycle and found ways to make peace with the new situation. Then we moved on. Depending on the loss this process took a few minutes, or days, or weeks. But that was okay.
So what can we do today, as adults, how can we support ourselves in moving through grief now?
Most importantly: Giving ourselves space! Holding space for the emotions present in our system, without judgment. Allowing ourselves to move through the waves of grief in our own way, in our own time. Ask ourselves: How is today? What is one small, loving thing I can do today to support myself?
And if you’d like someone to be at your side, to hold you safely while you process and recuperate, please reach out and book a call with me. You don’t have to do it all alone!
Most of all: Be kind to yourself!
Much love!
