Right before Thanksgiving last year, my nana passed away. Dealing with the loss of a family member is hard enough on its own, but dealing with it during a time when you are supposed to be thankful and joyful is even harder. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re going through the same thing.
1. It’s okay if things feel different
Seeing that empty chair at the table is incredibly difficult. It’s okay if you don’t feel as thankful as you normally do. Your feelings are valid and we all deal with these things in our own ways. Not feeling as thankful as you normally do? It’s okay.
2. Reach out to your support system
Reach out to the people who care about you or those who are dealing with the same loss as you. Whether you want to cry things out or do something to distract you, spending time with the people who love you is one of the best things you can do.
3. Remember the good times
Cook their favorite dish, tell your favorite story about them, keep them on your mind. Just because they are no longer there in the present does not mean they have to be gone from your memory.
4. Practice self-care
Self-care is different for everyone so find what works for you. Whether it’s crying it out and doing a face mask or picking up an extra shift at work to take your mind off things, find what makes YOU feel better.
5. Allow yourself to feel
In these situations, we often feel the need to put on a brave face and “stay strong”. However, it is important to allow yourself to feel and to grieve. It’s okay to cry and feel sad. You’ll feel so much better if you let it out rather than holding it all in.
We all deal with the loss of a loved one in our own ways, so find what works for you and what makes YOU feel better. Dealing with grief is always hard, especially during the time of year when we are expected to be joyful. You’ve got this.