The journey of healing can be a difficult and lonely road to travel. Below are some practical pathways to assist you as you transition through grief. Accept that each person will grieve in their own way, including you.

Hold close to your Spiritual Belief System.

Speak out your grief, share your feelings of loss, pain and hurt. Share the beautiful memories, the good times and the hard times. Find a trusted friend who has journeyed before you to express your feelings to.

Give yourself permission to mourn.

During significant dates like anniversaries, birthdays and special occasions give yourself space to reflect, remember, celebrate and mourn. If possible, set aside time on these significant days to allow yourself a personal moment of reflection. There may be a special place of meaning, a treasured song to play and other close family members to be with at these times. Allow yourself to journey through the remembering.

Search around for a support network. Surround yourself with those that can provide compassion and with those who have walked the path of grief before you.

Be kind to yourself. Grief can be exhausting. Be patient and kind to your physical, emotional and spiritual well being. Slow your pace, ensure you are getting some form of exercise, eat healthy foods and try to get sufficient rest.

Don’t rush decisions. Give yourself time when deciding on what to do with those treasured possessions and those belongings. Don’t be pushed into these decisions. You will know when the right time is.

Hold close the legacy of your spouse.