Dealing With Holiday Grief

DEALING WITH

HOLIDAY GRIEF

Dr.Courtney P. Hendrix

Death is inevitable; it’s something that none of us will be able to bypass. The question is always posed, “are you ready to die?” A better question would probably be, “are you prepared for those close to you to leave; even when it’s unexpected…” Grief is heavy, but it’s also a part of the healing process… they say, “it gets better with time…” I say, “they are lying…” Time is irrelevant if you’re not being INTENTIONAL about your HEALING Process! We have all lost someone who was near and dear to us. As the Holiday Season approaches, embrace your grief in a way that brings you joy. The reality is, you may not always be happy BUT you can always have joy. Do things in remembrance of your loved one like cooking their favorite dish, make an ornament in their memory, volunteer or do something charitable, or visit a sentimental place. Keep their memories alive by talking about them often! Avoid secluding yourself and pushing people away. Surround yourself with those who care about you and don’t be afraid to ask for support from friends or family. Take the opportunity to lean into your faith during trying times of grief. Know that it’s okay to NOT be okay, however, it is NOT okay to stay that way. Take the opportunity to seek professional help. You must be INTENTIONAL about your HEALING! Journaling is a great way to express your emotions, take the time to pour out your heart and process as well as acknowledge what you are feeling. Begin to ask yourself questions about what you are experiencing emotionally. This may be a good time to ask God to increase your faith and as you do this come up with a strategic action plan towards your healing. Make a commitment to yourself to be fully present and vested in your healing. As you deal with your grief during the holiday season take note of your prayer request by recording what you are believing God to do for you in this area and as you see the hand of God move on your behalf

keep a track record. This encourages you to stay in the fight. When you see your prayers begin to be answered it helps you trust God for more. Find yourself not only in God’s word, but in therapeutic sessions as well addressing your grief place; maximize your potential for healing by covering all areas in your life (mentally, spiritually, and emotionally). As you journal about your state of grief and healing, take time to increase your prayer and meditation time. Here is a prayer to lead you into a place of healing as it relates to grief: PRAYER: Father God, I need your mighty hand. I need you to breathe on me. Lord, help me to accept your will and destiny for my loved ones. Help me to accept that healing doesn’t always take place on this side and that you do nothing without reason. Father God, help me to see your hand move even in death knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with you, and with you there is no more pain and sickness. Help me not to despise you because my loved one has gone on. Send the Holy Spirit as a comforter and in my lowest moments please remind me that You will never leave me nor forsake me, and that every pain I feel you feel it too. Heal my heart Oh God and fill the void with the unconditional love you have for me by allowing me to feel Your Spirit… In Jesus Name I pray, Amen! Holiday Grief Tips: https://thepsychologygroup.com/how-tocope-with-grief-during-the-holidays/ ● Set Boundaries with Holiday Events. ... ● Tune Into Your Grief Emotions. ... ● Plan Ahead to Fill Empty Holiday Roles. ... ● Honor Old Traditions & Honor Memories.

... ● Create New Traditions. ... ● Identify Grief Coping Skills. ... ● Volunteer/Do Something Charitable. ... ● Ask For Help When Struggling with Grief. *For more information or services on Healing I can be reached at: CourtneyPHendrix.com*