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1. Be thankful for the impact the individual had on your life.
Losing someone close to you robs you of a piece of your heart. It’s normal to feel a gaping hole where that person existed in your life. Further, it’s reasonable for that absence to be felt forever. Although their life on earth was cut short, however, remember that their impact on your life was not without meaning.
Acknowledge and thank them for everything they’ve given you. Recognize their role in your life and consider the specifics of what they did for you. Perhaps they instilled a love of helping others. Remember them and perpetuate their legacy as you work to help your own community. Hold their memory close as you move forward.
2. Perpetuate their legacy through your actions.
Chances are, you feel the world is lacking without this person in it. While you can’t erase the past, you can help determine the future. Identify the impact they had on their community and consider ways you can perpetuate their legacy in their absence.
If they were a dutiful public servant, support first responders in their daily duties, special events and fundraisers. Did they have a special place in their heart for kids? Consider how you can support organizations that focus on children. If you want to take it a step further, establish a memorial fund to help realize your loved one’s legacy. Not only will these actions make a positive impact, but they can also be healing for you and others who are grieving..
3. Live in their honor.
Grief tends to come in waves. One day, you are feeling close to normal; the next, you are inseparable from your bed. Even in your grief, realize that you have a unique opportunity. The opportunity to honor someone through your daily life is not to be ignored.
It may be hard to take the first step, but consider your actions through the lens of this individual. If they could see you today, what would they see? Would they witness you taking each day head-on, pursuing your dreams and loving your family? Remember that they would want you to be happy and to enjoy your life, even in their absence.
Take strides each day toward a new normal and take in the world around you with a gratitidue perspective. Appreciate the beautiful sunrise, a cool fall day and the playfulness of a young child. Honor this person’s legacy in things big and small, and you can find comfort through your loss.
4. Coming To Terms With A New Sense Of Normal
Life without someone can seem impossible at first. As much as you might wish to, there’s little to be gained by questioning the justness of life. Even if what’s happening seems unfair, try to savor the time and the people you do have. Squeeze every ounce out of the opportunities and experiences that life offers you.
You may feel inspired to assess your life and how you’ve been living up to your recent loss. Pay attention to the feelings you’re experiencing and identify any adjustments that you truly want to make long-term. Improvements in your health, career decisions and the way you live your life are important.
Recognize that your life is a gift, as are the individuals you still have with you. Appreciate them and be grateful for your life as well as for the privilege of knowing and cherishing the person you lost. By choosing to live your life with gratitude, you can heal and honor their memory in everything you do.
For full article refer to Dr. Gloria Horsley is Founder of the Open to Hope Foundation, an open community where people can find hope after loss.
