The loss of a loved one is often devastating.  The separation creates a tremendous void or hole in your life.  You may feel cheated, angry, deeply sad, guilty and hurt. Hopes, plans and dreams crushed.  You may have regrets or a list of  “If onlys”.  You may not know the whole truth or the cause of death.  Joseph Campbell, a psychotherapist, stated “We often have to be willing to let go of the life we have planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”

 How do you heal from grief?

1.  Through awareness, we can examine our beliefs and see what fits or 

     makes sense if life today. Examination and reflection allows for

     conscious choices and action to be made.

2.  It takes courage to heal and the willingness to face adversity.

3.  Patience which means being able to bear and tolerate pain while    

     grieving.

4.  Perseverance or endurance which is having faith that staying with your feelings will lead to healing.  

5. Sometimes you might have to step back to gain perspective and to      cope and move ahead.  

6. A sense of humour and to be able to laugh…even for a moment…can helps ease intensity that is often  part of grieving.