Can we grieve loss while still feeling gratitude for the goodness in our lives?
After we experience a loss, we tend to focus on what we no longer have. As a result, we focus on what is missing in our life, rather than all the wonderful things we still have. Finding gratitude in our everyday lives can help us see our situations in ways that can lessen anxiety and help us cope with grief.
Here are some ways you can practice gratitude:
Keep a gratitude journal -
Start by giving thanks for one thing each day. Nothing is too big or too small. If it comes to your mind, it is worth writing down. It is amazing when you look back to see how much can change over time.
Give at least one compliment daily -
It can be to a person, or it can be asking someone to share your appreciation of something else, like asking “Isn’t it a beautiful day?” Don’t forget that you can always compliment yourself. Self-love is the first step into loving others and the world around you.
Practice mindfulness to appreciate each moment -
Focus on the present moment and what’s all around you. Use all of your senses: What do you see, feel, hear, smell, or taste? This practice helps ground you in the present and can loosen the grip of darker emotions for a time.
It may be hard at first especially when you do not feel grateful for anything. Start small, maybe you can be grateful for your morning coffee, a warm meal, or a good song. It is noticing the small things that we take for granted and being aware of the world around us that can help shift our focus from grief. Grief isn’t something to get over. Without the deep love and connection we’ve had with those we’ve lost, we wouldn’t be grieving. Gratitude has the power to help those in mourning rise above a loss providing hope and moments of grace.
Our pets become cherished members of our families, providing unconditional love, companionship, and joy to our lives. When they pass away, the grief we feel is genuine and profound. While our furry friends are only here for a short time, the impact they have on our lives is monumental. Here are some ways you can honor your beloved furry friend, after they’ve pass.
Create a memory box.
Putting together a box of items that remind you of a beloved pet can help you cope with their loss. Include items such as their collar, favorite toy, paw imprint, fur lock, and anything else that meant a lot to them. Keeping these items can bring comfort and closure after they have passed.
Spread their ashes somewhere meaningful.
If you choose to have your pet cremated, you can spread the ashes somewhere meaningful for your pet. You can even use the ashes to plant a tree in memory of them.
Donate to shelters in their memory
Animal shelters need donations, whether monetary donations or item donations. Donating to shelters in your beloved pet's name not only preserves your pet's memory, but also helps the animals in the shelter find their forever home.
Foster animals
Fostering is a great option if you aren't ready to get another pet but want to share the love you had for your pet with those in need. Because shelters fill up quickly, animals need foster homes. Fostering allows you to heal at your own pace, while sharing love with a pet in need.
Our pets become part of our family. During their time here on earth we share so many special moments with them, that when they are gone the emptiness left behind is unfathomable. It’s important to take proper care of yourself during this time of grief and figure out ways to keep your pet’s memory alive.