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    Grief,  Life,  Uncategorized

    8 Ways to help you find happiness in times of grief

    Finding happiness in times of grief

    Unfortunately, grief is as much a part of life as happiness. As you know, I have experience traveling this path called grief after pet loss and the loss of a beloved family member. In life, I have learned that there is always a balance. You cannot have light without darkness, good without evil, and joy without some pain. In the same regard, happiness does not exist without grief.

    Impact of grief

    Grief can have a strong negative impact on your life. For some, grief can be downright crippling. You may start to neglect those that are close to you and still need your attention and love. Your work and even your health can suffer. However, learning how to handle grief in a positive way is a valuable life skill. Ironically, grief can provide the seeds for happiness if you know how to nurture them.

    During times of grief, there are things you can do to make the best of the situation. Let’s explore…

    The 8 Ways to help you find happiness in times of grief.

    1. Be grateful.

    One of the best things anyone can do each day is to make a gratitude list. List all the things that are good in your life. Focus on the positive lessons learned from the blow of grief. Make it a habit to spend 5 minutes each day listing the good things about that day.

    2. Focus on the things you can control.

    We spend much of our lives worrying over things beyond our control. This is time and energy that is simply wasted. Enjoy your loved ones. Spend time with them, making new memories and laughing about the old.

    3. Focus on the people you still have in your life.

    Your relationships are the only thing that will really matter to you at the end of your life. Let your loved ones know just how much they mean to you. Make that phone call and write that letter you have been putting off. One day, it really will be too late. There is no point in keeping your love to yourself.

    4. Rely on your religion or spirituality.

    Grief can be a great motivation to strengthen or explore your spiritual journey. Now might be the perfect time to go back to church or join a meditation class. There is strength and support available through your spiritual guides that you may have been neglecting for a while.

    support friends

    5. Remember the good things.

    When someone is gone, we still have access to many wonderful memories. Remember the good times together and the loving moments. You can try pulling old photos or looking at video footage in happier times to help you remember happier times.

    6. Rely on your friends and family for support.

    Sharing adversity brings people closer together. That is why old war buddies are always there for each other. It is the same reason why college sorority alumni remain close with their former schoolmates. Sharing your grief with others is a strong bonding experience. It is one more opportunity to bring positivity to difficult times.

    7. Honor the memory.

    Do something in memory of your loved one or furry family member. Practice activities they enjoyed while they were alive. Did they adore children? Perhaps you could volunteer with a local children’s charity. Did they love spending time at the beach or in the woods? Take a walk in nature or a day trip to the beach. Volunteer or become a fosterer at your local animal shelter.

    woman petting stray cat

    8. Allow the grief to turn into something positive.

    Spend time considering what is important in your life and make positive changes. Perhaps you will spend more quality time with your children, take that Caribbean cruise, or move closer to your family.

    Everyone is forced to deal with grief at some point in their life. Dealing with grief is challenging. However, taking these 8 steps to help you find happiness in times of grief will both lessen the pain and enable you to get something positive from it.

    Lastly, go slowly but keep moving in a positive direction. It is possible to see the silver lining during times of grief.

    Did any of these steps resonate with you? What methods have you tried when overcoming grief in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments. Don’t forget to share this post with a friend.

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    8 Ways to help you find happiness in times of grief