What You Should Know About Grief

Everyone grieves differently; however, most of us will have to experience our own journey of grief one day. While there may be some differences in our journey, there may also be some similarities in our journeys. We may all benefit from some piece of advice our friends and family may give us, or we may find their advice absolutely useless in helping through the grieving process. It all depends on our own unique journey and what we need at the time. Here are just a few of the things you may want to know about grief before you have to go through the grieving process that may help you be a little more prepared to complete your journey through the grieving process.

• You can prepare for a death as much as you can, but you will never be completely prepared for the feelings of loss and grief.

• Death has a way of avoiding your plans, no matter how much time and effort you put into your plans.

• All deaths are not peaceful and serene. It does not matter how much you plan for it.

• People will start pressuring you to get over your grief and move on almost immediately. Of course, this is not the best way to handle grief, and in your best interest, you should follow your gut and ignore this.

• Dealing with a death can be hectic and fast. It may seem as if you do not have time to catch your breath. However, if you begin to feel overwhelmed, you do have the time to take a moment, and you should take the time to recenter yourself.

• Unfortunately, death and grief make people uncomfortable. These feelings and situations will lead to awkward moments, so be prepared for them.

• Do not be afraid to accept the help of others. If someone offers you support, accept their offer.

• People may tell you things that are not true about your grieving process. Just because they went through it before, does not mean you will go through it too.

• People will say the wrong things. They may even say hurtful or ignorant comments without even realizing what they have said.

• Death can bring out not only the best in families but also the worst. Be prepared for whatever may come your way.

• Feeling anger or guilt is common with grief. You may even think that you are crazy when you are faced with grief.

• Grief can make you question every aspect of your life.

• There is no specific timeline associated with grief. You cannot rush through the process, and most of us will find that in some form or another we will grieve forever.

• You will begin to notice grief triggers everywhere. All of those little things or places that you use to enjoy may now lead to sudden bursts of emotions.

• People will have all kinds of ideas on how you should or should not feel and how you should or should not grieve. They may even judge your every move, and you need to avoid these type of people.

• You may never get back to your old self. Sometimes grief can completely change you from who you once were.

The grieving process may be a long and hard journey that we all have to make on our own at one time or another. Remember the love you had for the person you lost. Nothing can take your memories or that love away. One day, you will find yourself enjoying life once more, and you need to remember that this will also not take away the love you felt for the person you lost. If you have to experience the grieving process, remember you have to do it in your own way and in your own time. However, if someone is there along the way trying to offer you a shoulder to cry on or a hand up, do not be afraid to accept their help.