The initial impact of losing a loved one is hard, but oftentimes it is the days that come after that are the hardest. In this time after, we want to make sure that we always remember and honor our loved ones even in their absence, but we struggle to find the right way to do so. Sometimes it is hard to know how to keep our loved ones present without causing ourselves more harm by not letting ourselves move on. We need to be able to grieve them and move forward with our lives and heal, just as our loved ones would have wanted us to do. We cannot stay in the past, because the past is no place for our hearts and souls to flourish. Instead, we should aim to take what our loved ones gave us in life and use it to make our own futures brighter and make the future bright for those around us as well.
So how are some ways we can honor our loved ones while still making sure we are moving forward in our grieving process? A simple way to do so is to always keep something of theirs with you, if you are able to, so you can feel their presence in your daily life and remember the love that you shared through a tangible object. It seems simple but having something our loved one also touched brings them to life in our memories as we imagine them using it and enjoying it, just as we can now in the present day. It is a way that we can continue to share love and a common interest with our loved one who has passed. It is amazing the power that a simple object has to bring us a sense of peace and union with our loved ones, and it should not be taken for granted.
Another way to honor a passed loved one is to engage in one of their favorite activities in their memory. For example, you can plan a day to make their favorite meal and share it with others who were also important in the lives of the deceased. You can also plan to get together to play their favorite sport, or even just simply watch their favorite movie. This, again, will remind us of our loved ones enjoying these activities and will bring them to life in our memories as we pursue a common interest with our loved ones even in light of their passing.
Another idea is to bring something “to life” in their honor. This could mean planting a tree, or a garden, or writing a story, or painting a picture. Creating something and tending to something is proven to be one of the best ways to protect our mental and emotional well-being and in addition to that, if we are creating something in honor of our loved one, we will simultaneously be able to work on our grieving process and healing ourselves while always remembering, honoring, and loving the individual who is no longer with us. The grieving process is long and takes constant work. We must always carry the lessons and love that we shared with those who are no longer with us and use it to build a brighter life and continue to spread love through all our own days.
