It's OK if you're NOT feeling OK
Have you lost a loved one? Have you experienced a loss?
Statistics say that we will all suffer losses in our lifetime.
Grief is the natural and normal response to a significant loss of something deemed necessary, particularly to the death of a loved one. Grief often includes physiological distress, separation anxiety, confusion, yearning, obsessive dwelling on the past, and apprehension about the future. It may consist of feelings of great sadness, anger, guilt, and despair.
Grief isn’t just about death. There are various sources of grief.
As humans, we are wired to experience grief after any loss, not just the death of a loved one. Throughout your life, you will experience grief for the loss of relationships, routines, and even aspects of your identity. We often grieve the life we imagined for ourselves that did not come to pass. We grieve because our reality no longer matches our perceived picture of happiness. Many times, we are unaware that our feelings are symptoms of grief, and we beat ourselves up unnecessarily, making matters worse.
Since loss is a part of life, we must learn how to deal with it.
Grief is a journey, a passage, not a place to stay. Your feelings are valid. The only way out of grief is through it. Permitting yourself to grieve is the first step to healing. It’s okay to be sad and to cry.
Grief is complicated, so you shouldn’t go through it alone. Unresolved and prolonged grief can lead to severe issues such as depression, digestive and cardiac health problems, and even premature death.
For many, praying is a healthy way to deal with their grief. One’s faith can be an excellent support during difficult times. Feelings were never meant to be fixed but to be felt. God made us emotional beings. I encourage you to bring all your emotions to God in prayer. He wants you to process them in the safety of His presence.
It is important to remember that the grieving process is different for everyone. Grief is not “one size fits all.” The healing process takes time, so be patient with yourself and your loved ones. The Seven Stages of Grief are often discussed as if they occur sequentially, moving from one stage to another, but grief is not linear and may take longer than most people think.
Health and wellness encompass the mind, body, spirit, and emotions. Mental and spiritual well-being are integral to overall health. When you feel good on the inside, it shows on the outside. Inner peace and healing are essential to a healthy and happy life. To raise awareness about this vital connection, I am giving 200 free copies of my latest eBook, “It’s OK if you’re NOT feeling OK!” This resource contains valuable information, support, and strategies to help you and your loved ones navigate times of loss and prevent unhealthy consequences. It is currently available on Kindle and my website.
If you are experiencing loss, we can help. We offer one-on-one coaching sessions, self-help classes, prayer meetings, and powerful resources. Meet us on October 6th at DA VINCI BANQUET HALL, 5732 HWY 7, WOODBRIDGE, ON L4L 3A2 for the Vaughan in Motion “Vaughan Health and Wellness Expo.”
Booth Number: H149
You can also visit our website @www.empoweredwordministries.ca for more information.
We want you well. You don’t have to let a tragedy or loss derail your destiny.
You are more powerful than you know.