Fealing requires a tremendous amount of energy. Be good to yourself by doing for you what you would do for a friend or neighbor in the same situation as you find yourself.

1. Try not to be rushing about especially if the activity is purposeless. Your body needs energy for repair of terrible emotional wounds that you have experienced.



2. Keep decision-making to a minimum, and avoid major decisions for at least a year following your tragedy.



3. Accept the help and support that are available to you.



4. Ask for help. Your family and friends want to support you, but are reluctant to invade your privacy. It is important to find someone who is caring an understanding.



5. Own your pain. It cannot be ignored. Allow the grief process to run its full course.



6. If you feel like crying by all means do so. Crying will make you feel better.



7. Sunday, holidays and special family days are difficult to handle to schedule activities that will bring you comfort.



8. If your grief is unresolved it will damage your health. Seek the help of a counselor or clergy person.



9. Keeping a journal is often a good way to understand your feelings. Reading a journal at a later date often indicates healing is happening.



10. Exercise is very helpful to persons and grief. A moderate walk is very beneficial and aids in stress reduction and help sleep.



11. Do not be afraid of enjoying a good time. Often grieving persons believe they should feel guilty if they find any kind of enjoyment.



12. Grief comes and goes. That also takes time.



13. When you feel a surge of anger go with it. Is healthy to express anger.



14. Plan things to which you can look forward (trips, visit or lunch with a special person.)

Remember Grief is a process......... Recovery is a choice.