Moving on Tips After Losing a Partner
Losing a partner or spouse is one of the most intensely painful experiences in life. It is something no one is prepared to handle, and moving on can feel like an impossible task. No matter the circumstances or the length of the relationship, the pain can feel all-consuming and unending. Fortunately, while there is no one-size-fits-all approach to moving on from this kind of loss, there are some proactive and practical steps you can take to help you live through it and find your path to healing.
Understanding Grief: Dealing with the Death of a Spouse
The first thing to know about grief is that it is a journey. Recovery from the loss of a loved one doesn’t happen all at once, and it isn’t the same for every person. Treat yourself with kindness, the way you would treat another person going through a similar situation. Allow yourself the space to grieve in your way and your time. Eventually, you will notice that, although the grief never really goes away, it gets lighter.
Someday you will be able to talk about your spouse without feeling intense sadness, and that is when you will know that you have progressed on your healing journey. While you will never forget the loss, and may never fully get past the grief, you will find that it takes up less space in your head and your heart, and you will begin to be able to see a life beyond this experience.
Practical Tips for Moving on After the Death of a Spouse
One of the best things to do to begin to move on is to set new routines for yourself. This can be as simple as trying a new hobby or changing your bedtime routine, or as meaningful as celebrating holidays differently than you always have. However you choose to implement them, establishing new routines can help give you structure as you cope with the loss, and can help restore a sense of normalcy. At the same time, you will want to be careful to preserve the memory of your loved one by hanging on to some old traditions and reminiscing with friends and family.
Consider creating a memory box of items that hold sentimental value, so that you can look through it and feel connected with your loved one who has died. While you are grieving, don’t make any hasty decisions, like selling your house, dating too soon, or moving to a new town. Instead, take your time beginning this new chapter of your life, going slowly, and doing what feels right to you.
The Importance of Building a Support System
When you are grieving, it is crucial to surround yourself with people who care about you. Emotional grief support from friends and family can be invaluable during this difficult time, so do not be afraid to reach out if you need some extra care. It can also be a good idea to seek counseling from a therapist or grief counselor who can help you process your emotions and develop coping mechanisms and strategies to get you through it. Consider finding a support group, as well. Sharing your grief with others who are dealing with the same kind of loss can help you navigate this unfamiliar territory, and can make the process feel more manageable.
Moving on After Death: Navigating Complex Emotions
Grief does not always follow a straightforward path. While you may have heard of the different stages of grief, it is important to note that those are just one theory about how the process works. Grief is different for different people, and sometimes, it can be complicated. It can come and go, and you may find that emotions hit you in waves, even when you think you are managing them.
You might feel things you didn’t expect to feel, like guilt or anger, which can make the grieving process more challenging. You might also find that your grief complicates your relationships with other people. Recognize that whatever you are feeling is valid, and do not hesitate to ask for help if you are having trouble coping with your feelings on your own.
What to Do After Your Spouse Dies: Rediscovering Joy and Purpose
While you will want to take your time with any life changes or major decisions, it is important to look toward the future after the loss of a spouse. Make plans that will shift your focus and give you something to anticipate, like a trip, a class, or even time with friends. Once you have given yourself some time to heal from the initial grief, look for ways to redirect your energy and begin to live life to the fullest again. Explore new interests, be open to new possibilities, and keep your eyes set on what’s to come, rather than continuing to look backward.
Self-Care: How Do You Deal with the Death of a Spouse?
What do you need, to help you feel better? Make sure you are tending to your own needs, even grieving. Take care to eat a balanced diet, get exercise, and get enough sleep. Maintain your social life and think about what you will answer when someone asks how they can help. Sometimes, you may need something practical, like someone to help you run errands. On other days, though, you might just need someone to talk to, or maybe meet for coffee.
Pay attention to your own needs, and practice self-care. Don’t neglect your health but keep regular doctor’s appointments to help maintain your physical and mental well-being. As you make progress towards moving on, take time to celebrate your accomplishments, even the little ones, that help you move on with your life.
Let John F. Pfleger Funeral Home Help You Through the Death of Your Spouse
Since 1956, John F. Pfleger Funeral Home has served members of the Monmouth County community with compassion and integrity. Located in the heart of Middletown, NJ, our family-owned-and-operated funeral home has provided funeral, burial, cremation, and funeral pre-planning services across three generations. The goal has always been to treat every family we serve in the way we would like to be treated, helping them through this difficult time, and we are thankful to have a legacy of care in our community.
Whether you are looking for a public or private memorial or funeral, a large or small service, religious or secular, somber or festive, we can accommodate you. Please contact us when you are going through the process of making funeral arrangements, knowing that we will offer you the utmost support, treat you with dignity, and act with integrity.
Leave a Reply 0 comments