" Pace yourself and
take all the time you need to grieve in your own way, for this is your "Personal
Journey". Find a specific place and time in your daily routine to remember
and feel the love for your loved one. Release those feelings without any distraction.
Find creative ways and prioritize this daily tribute to the love you shared
together.
" Celebrate the holidays with other loved ones by doing things differently,
start a new tradition. Make sure all the family members get the opportunity
to express their feelings and say what feels comfortable for them.
" Set realistic limits and expectations to what you are able to do and
make the best of it. Allow time for rest, healthy eating, drink ample amount
of water/fluids, exercise, relaxation, meditation and prayer.
" Treat yourself to a "Spa Experience", i.e. massage, makeover,
etc.
" Avoid the use of alcohol, and/or drugs, that includes smoking cigarettes.
" Establish a strong support network. Be selective in choosing positive,
caring and sincere persons who will listen and allow you to grieve your own
way, at your own pace.
" Maintain your sense of humor. Share funny jokes and experiences, laugh
together.
" Take a break from celebrating the holidays for a year and travel to a
place where you always dreamed of visiting. Create new memories.
" Take and live one day at a time. Recognize that there are good and not
so good days. Reach out for support and practice "Thought Stopping"
and problem solving to come up with healthy options to save the day.
" Practice rituals to honor your loved one:
1) Light a candle at a special area in the house in their honor/memory.
2) Make a Christmas ornament with her/his picture.
3) Set up a type of memorial at a special area, using pictures , personal items,
etc.
4) Make a page for the "Book of Life" in the Blessed Sacrament.
5) Make a donation to a charitable organization in her/his memory.
6) Place special thoughts, poems, verses in a container or stocking for family
members to read when gathered together.
7) Order a bouquet of flowers to a nursing home, care home or church.
8) Donate toys, clothes, food, etc.
9) Instead of sending out cards, write a letter informing your friends of your
loss and enclose a funeral service card. (The bereaved have found a lot of warm
responses that were comforting.)
10) Release a white balloon with special writings as you pray for her/him.
11) Plant a tree in memory of your loved one.
12) Donate a park bench in her/his memory.
13) Sew a quilt with her/his favorite clothes.
14) Write a poem or a letter.
15) Offer mass.
16) Any other creative idea you may have to help the healing process.