Grief can leave you feeling like you need to tip toeing through the holidays. Either you're worrying about what someone might say to you, how someone might perceive your choices for how you manage your grief, or you're tiptoeing back into a world where nothing feels right. Planning ahead to manage grief can be a step in the right direction to feeling our best, or as good as we can in the circumstances.
While there are tons of things out of our control during the grieving process, there are still some things we have control over while we cope. We are able to control how we respond to others, how we treat ourselves when we are feeling low, and how we pace ourselves.
Especially during the holiday season, there are different triggers and obstacles to face day in and day out. These triggers could be a specific Christmas song that your loved one used to sing at the top of their lungs each year, a certain smell or candle scent that reminds you of them, a certain food they would bring to a holiday dinner, holiday movies that you once watched together, going to specific events, or participating in activities you once enjoyed together.
Knowing when you'll encounter these situations can be a great way to either prepare for them, or avoid them and allow space for self care.
Preparing for them might include having an action plan or someone you can call for support if needed, keep a small journal near by if you need quiet time to process, or practicing more self care after the moment. Participating in these moments on your own terms can allow you to feel safe and more in control in an uncertain time. Remember your feelings are valid and it is okay to cry or process your emotions as they come.
In a world of uncertainties and triggers, planning ahead to manage grief is a great step to feeling safe in the moments you feel the most vulnerable.
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