Sadness, Loss, and Grief

Sadness, Loss, And Grief

I had already planned on writing a blog about loss and grief, however, what I didn't plan on was receiving some news about my friend this morning.  So you are not going through this situation alone.

I was shocked when I heard the news. Thoughts run through my head like "I should have called her more often, or went for more visits", almost as if that would have changed the situation. 

These are all very normal emotions.  In fact, everything you feel are normal and are there to help you process through this tender period of loss.

There are 5 stages of grief, and no two people will go through them exactly the same.  There is no particular order, or time period for each stage.  They are waves of emotions to process through.  You're done when you're done, and nobody else can gauge that for you.  It's also normal to revisit one or more of these stages as you process through your feelings.

The 5 stages are:

Denial: A coping mechanism that helps pace the shock and emotional pain of loss.

Anger: A natural reaction to feel pain, which may be directed at yourself, others, or the situation.

Bargaining: An attempt to regain control through "if only" statements, often used to postpone the inevitable.

Depression: A deep, quiet, and necessary reaction to the reality of the loss.

Acceptance: A stage where the reality is embraced, and one begins to move forward.

It's important to be soft, easy, and patient with yourself during this time. Proceed through your day gently, and honor whatever wave of feelings you're experiencing.  If it's too overwhelming to go through alone, then confided in a trusted friend or grief counselor.  Do not make any rash decisions during this period.

You will get through this.  And hopefully along the way you'll remember every person has a soul, and every soul has a journey.  There comes a time when every soul's journey proceeds past the earthly realm.  I think the greatest expression of love, is to honor what you have learned together, or how your soul has been enriched by them being in your life.

I personally believe the best thing we can do for people on earth, and for those that have departed, is to feel the essence of who they are, and honor the gift they have brought to this world.