As we share this Grief Brief (#13), we will look at the concept of change. Grief and the healing it brings will cause our hearts, minds, and souls to change with the changes that can aid us in moving forward with our lives.
Most people, especially those in the middle and latter phases of life, would prefer stability without a lot of change. They seek the “tried and tested” as opposed to innovation. When we grieve, however, change is imposed upon our lives. This occurs not in radical ways that diminish who we are, but in ways that develop new aspects of our person and lives.
Many authors who write about grief, loss, and the grieving process refer to the term “the new normal” which points to the adulterations that grief imposes and must be slowly accepted. As we describe these we learn:
• Grieving requires that a person look at one’s attitude each day that grief is unfolding. Beginning a given day with an attitude of pessimism sets the tone for the whole day. When one is convinced that nothing will go well and that sadness will pervade the whole day, that is exactly how things will play out. Questioning how one can go on without that special person makes going forward more difficult. A special prayer, an inspiring quote, a bit of soft music, or a request to one’s Higher Power for strength can adjust a negative attitude to be a more hopeful one.
• Reviewing one’s priorities while grieving can also lead one to consider needed changes. Formerly, one’s job or status, one’s income and personal pursuits were the major focus, whereas in the world of grief these priorities become less important. What becomes important, however, is one’s faith or spirituality, one’s God, one’s close family, good friends who will support and listen, one’s health, and a life that will bring purpose and meaning once the healing of grief has occurred.
• Going through grief’s emotional pain, loneliness, and sadness provides the opportunity to grow in strength, wisdom, and new insights. When one undertakes what was considered difficult or impossible and succeeds self-confidence is sparked. Navigating through necessary paperwork, finances, garden and household chores decision-making, etc. can challenge feelings of ineptitude and bring a sense of achievement, as well as pride. One also changes and grows as one seeks to discover a sense of purpose and meaning for one’s life. As healing completes the major part of the grief process there is a sensed need to reach out in caring to others in a meaningful way. All of the new pursuits and changes in the lives of grieving people are exactly what their deceased loved ones would wish for them.
As this grief note concludes I would like to inform my readers of an up-coming “Pre-Holiday Workshop” that will be offered at St. Matthias school on the Saturday before Thanksgiving (10 AM – 12 Noon). The session will assist grieving persons to face the holiday season with some degree of ease and grace. All will be welcome to attend.
A medida que compartimos este Breve de Duelo (#13), veremos el concepto de cambo. El dolor y la sanación que trae hará que nuestros corazones, mentes y almas cambien con los cambios que pueden ayudarnos a seguir adelante con nuestras vidas. La mayoría de las personas, especialmente las que se encuentran en la fase media y posterior de la vida, preferían las estabilidad sin muchos cambios. Buscan lo “probado y comprobado” en contraposición a la innovación. Cunado nos lamentamos, sin embargo, el cambio se impone en nuestras vidas. Esto ocurre no en formas radicales que disminuyen lo que somos, sino en formas que desarrollan nuevos aspectos de nuestra persona y nuestras vidas. Muchos autores que escriben sobre el dolor, la pérdida y el proceso de duelo se refieren al término “la nueva normalidad”, que señala las adulteraciones que el dolor impone y deben aceptarse lentamente. A medida que describimos estos aprendemos:
Al concluir esta nota de duelo, me gustaría informar a mis lectores sobre el próximo “Taller antes del día festivo” que se ofrecerá en la Academia de San Matías el Sábado antes del Día de Acción de Gracias (de 10:00AM a 12:00PM). La sesión ayudará a las personas afligidas a enfrentar la temporada festiva con cierta gracia y facilidad. Todos serán bienvenidos a asistir.