Hi everyone! Life Coach Carisa here. Today I am going to be talking about grief.

Grief is an inevitable part of life, deeply personal, and often challenging to navigate. While I’m not a grief specialist, I’ve had several clients dealing with loss, and I want to share some insights on this profound experience.

The Nature of Grief

Grief is a natural response to loss, encompassing a wide range of emotions from deep sadness to anger. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross’s five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—provide a framework for understanding these emotions. Remember, grief isn’t linear, and everyone experiences it differently.

Supporting Yourself Through Grief

1. Allow Yourself to Feel: Don’t suppress your emotions. Allow yourself to experience and express them without judgment.
2. Seek Support: Share your grief with friends, family, or a professional therapist. Talking about your feelings can lighten the emotional load.
3. Create Rituals: Rituals can provide closure and honor the memory of your loved one. Light a candle, create a memory book, or visit a special place.
4. Take Care of Your Physical Health: Ensure you’re eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep to support your body through this time.
5. Set Small Goals: Focus on small, achievable goals to provide a sense of accomplishment and help you move forward.

Supporting Others Through Grief

When supporting someone who is grieving, it’s essential to:

1. Listen: Sometimes, the best support is simply being there and listening.
2. Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge their pain and let them know it’s okay to feel what they’re feeling.
3. Offer Practical Help: Assist with daily tasks like chores, cooking, or errands.
4. Be Patient: Grief doesn’t have a timeline, so be patient and offer ongoing support.
5. Encourage Professional Help: If their grief seems overwhelming or prolonged, gently suggest they seek help from a grief counselor or therapist.

My Personal Experience with Grief

I experienced profound grief with the loss of my father at the end of 2022. Our relationship was challenging, and his sudden death brought up many unresolved issues. I grieved not only his loss but also the loss of the chance for reconciliation and the relationship I had always hoped for.

The best thing I did was give myself love and space to process all my emotions. I practiced mindfulness, spent time in silence, meditated, prayed, journaled, and allowed myself to feel the full range of emotions. This intentional approach helped me navigate my grief healthily and create space for new intentions in my life.

Final Thoughts

Grief is a deeply personal journey. Be kind to yourself and others, allowing space for all the complex emotions that come with loss. By understanding the stages of grief and adopting supportive strategies, we can navigate this challenging experience with greater compassion and resilience.

Whether you are grieving or supporting someone who is, I send you love and light today and every day.

For more insights and tips on navigating grief, watch the full video here.

Thank you for reading! If you’re curious about my work, schedule a complimentary consultation session. Find out more at LifeCoachingwithCarisa.com.

“Grief is the price we pay for love.”

Queen Elizabeth II