Overcome with Grief? What Do You Do?
Overcome with grief? What do you do? Perhaps you sob until you can’t possibly shed another tear. Maybe you hang over the commode and vomit. Perhaps you lie awake at night unable to sleep.
I get it. I did all three almost seventeen years ago when my doctor told me I had breast cancer. I went through all three again when I received news that my only child had unexpectedly died after surgery.
Please know it is natural to feel overcome with grief, whether you’ve lost a loved one, a job, or a home.
Journal
What can you do to get through the emotional roller coaster of grief? Journaling worked for me and my friends. I hope it will work for you too. In your own home, in a study room at the library, or at the beach, you can journal. Somehow it feels safe to write your words on paper and sort through the emotions. It offers relief from the grief.
Exercise
Twenty-four years ago, I went through a traumatic divorce. The words, shattered dreams,” come to mind. For more than a year, I walked daily at the beach. Listening to the waves comforted me. You may not live by a beach, but you can walk at a park or in your own neighborhood. A friend told me that as a young girl she swam laps at the pool when her parents divorced. The vigorous exercise relieved her anxiety and stress and comforted her.
A Support Group
I found Divorce Care, GriefShare, and The Compassionate Friends most helpful because the people were going through the same thing I was. We offered one another comfort, encouragement, and support. Those groups and others are available through a church or community agency. Search online or at the library for a group that meets your needs.
Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Dear God, I’m doubled over with grief. Please help me. Amen.
These ideas are taken from my latest book, Moving from Broken to Beautiful® through grief. You can find out more about this book at https://bit.ly/grieftestimonials
Copyright © by Yvonne Ortega XII.IV.MMXVII
