Journaling Though Grief

Saying goodbye to a loved one is truly one of the most difficult things we ever have to do. It may bring feelings of anger, confusion, loss, denial, or fear. While all of these emotions are completely normal to experience, you want to make sure you process them in a healthy way. If you are having trouble working through your grief after your loved one’s cremation services in Dickson, TN., there are a few things you can do to help. One of these ways is to journal.

What is Journaling?

Journaling is nothing fancy or something you have to learn. It is simply writing out your thoughts so that you can better understand and work through them. It has been shown to help improve mental health and process traumatic events.

What Do I Need to Journal?

The good news is that you don’t need anything elaborate to start this process. The only two things you must have consist of paper and a pen or pencil. If you would like to purchase a pretty journal from a bookstore or online shop, you certainly can. Many people choose to do so to make the event of writing feel more special however any notebook or spiral will work.

How Do I Start?

To begin the journaling process, find a block of time you will be less likely to be interrupted. Next, find a comfortable spot and just start.. It may feel odd at first. You may also realize you are judging yourself for what you are writing. Let that judgement go. Along with that idea, keep this journal private so that you can write what is truly on your heart without the editing you might do knowing others may read it. This journal is for you.

What Do I Write About?

The wonderful thing about journaling is there is no set format on how to do it. This means you can write about any and everything you want, in any way you want. You may wish to write out a letter to your loved one expressing things that you didn’t say when they were alive. Maybe you want to create a bulleted list of all the good times you had together or what you are grateful to them for. You could even just doodle or jot down song lyrics. The point here is to just be free, let your mind wonder, and write down whatever it brings.

How Often Should I Journal?

Journaling on a regular basis is important to gain its benefits. If you can set a dedicated time aside each day, that is ideal. This could be each morning as you drink your cup of coffee, or before bed at night and you can reflect upon the day. If every day is not realistic for you, aim for 3-5 times a week.

Final Thoughts

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to handling the loss of a loved one. Everyone will experience this event differently. Some may go though all the feelings of grief quickly while others may stay longer with these emotions. The important thing is that no matter how fast or slow you go through the grieving process, you do so in a productive, healthy way.

Journaling is one way to help process your feelings after your loved one’s cremation services in Dickson, TN. Since it only requires a pen and paper, and it allows you to do it in your own way, this makes a great option for men, women, children, and adults. Just remember to let go of any judgement and write what is truly on your heart.