Thursday Thoughts
Grief isn’t just what we lost…
it’s about the stories,
connections and hopes that were
tied to our loved one.
Our loved one represent not just a person, but an era, a relationship and a version of you that existed in those times.
It’s not just the people we mourn, but who we were with them and all we imagined becoming alongside them.
Grief is rarely about just one loss. The primary loss of a loved one can activate a cascade of “secondary losses.” These might include the loss of…
* Roles – the roles we had in our relationships (spouse, parent, caregiver, child, etc.)
* Routines – daily habits and shared activities (morning coffee, daily check-ins, Sunday phone calls, etc.)
* Security – financial stability can be impacted and also the emotional loss of feeling safe and vulnerable.
* Relationships – the dynamics with friends and family members can shift as they may distance themselves or not knowing how to offer support.
* Future Plans – dreams, trips and milestones you planned to share (growing old together, retirement, celebrating grandchildren, etc.)
Acknowledging the multifaceted nature of grief can be crucial for healing. This allows mourning not only our loved one but also the hopes, dreams and sense of self intertwined with our person’s presence.
About Lisa
I am a grief counselor, certified grief educator, certified professional life coach, speaker, and writer dedicated to helping you navigate through life and loss. My greatest joy is to help others, to have the honor to listen to your story, and to offer hope. I am truly grateful and it is my privilege to be on this journey with you.