A Walking Disaster

+ it’s okay to have happy days, you’re not doing a disservice to your loved one by being happy.

+ the grief process is not linear. you will have good days. bad days. okay days. you’ll start your day happy and end it sad...or the reverse. be gentle with yourself. you’re doing great so far.

+ you’ll be reminded of your loved one. those memories may make you feel an incredible amount of emotions, from happy to sad.

+ it’s okay to feel nothing. to feel numb. you won’t always feel like crying or laughing. some days, you’ll feel apathetic. again, that’s okay...that’s normal.

+ keep their memory alive by remembering the good ole days with them. watch videos, look at photos, tell stories about them with your friends/family.

+ it’s okay to not want to talk about your loved one or look at old photos/videos of them. sometimes, it can be tough to remember the good times, because they make you miss them even more.

+ it’s okay to cry. it’s okay to sob. it’s okay to feel low. it’s okay to feel empty. it’s okay to feel anger. it’s okay to take time for yourself.

+ guilt is a normal part of the grieving process, but don’t blame yourself. or do your best to not blame yourself. you did the best you could. it’s not your fault.

+ lean on those around you for support. and support them as well (if they’re affected by the loss). talk to a therapist. find a grief support group.

+ don’t compare your grief to others’. your emotions and grieving process are valid, and should not be compared to those who are grieving as well.

+ it’s okay to feel angry, but do not take out your pain on other people. channel that anger into something healthy — like painting or running/exercising. if your anger becomes too much, i urge you to seek counseling (as it’s completely normal to).