When we lose a loved one we may feel a variety of emotions. Everything ranges from sadness and loss to confusion and anger. Luckily there are tools we can use to make sure we process and handle the grief in a healthy way. One of these tools is journaling. If you are struggling after your loved one’s cremation services in Eugene, OR. journaling may be able to help.
What You Need to Get Started
The only things you will need are a notebook and a pen or pencil. That’s it. If you would like, you can purchase a writing journal from a bookstore or online, but you can also use a simple spiral school notebook. The important thing here is that you use paper and pen or pencil.
While you may be tempted to write on your laptop or iPad, there is a different type of connection you make with the words and your thoughts when you actually write them out with your hand. If typing is the only way you will journal, then that is better than not doing it at all, but the number one way to go is by far, physically writing out your thoughts. When the wishes of the deceased are carried out according to a predetermined plan, the family also has the peace of mind that “they’re doing everything the way they were instructed.
How to Start
Once you have your notebook, you may be a little intimidated by the blank page staring back at you. Don’t be. Take a deep breath and release any judgment or preconceived ideas of how this should go. Allow yourself the freedom to just write.
Write whatever you feel. Don’t stop yourself because you are afraid of what it may seem like if someone else were to read it. This journal is for your eyes only so allow your thoughts to be expressed.
If you need help getting started, you could find journal prompts online. You can also write about things like:
- What you miss most about your loved one
- Something you wanted to tell them while they were still here
- What has changed since they have been gone
- Anything you have been able to find joy in since they passed
Also, don’t feel you have to write in complete sentences and/or complete paragraphs. You could write in a list format or bullet points. You can even doodle ideas, draw meaningful words in bubble letters, create a picture out of certain words, or whatever you want.
How Often Should You Journal?
It’s important to make journaling a regular part of your life. If you can’t promise to do it every day, try every other day. To help make it a habit, try and pair it with another activity you do regularly. For example, many people like to journal in the morning while they drink their cup of coffee, or at night before they go to bed.
While journaling won’t magically cure your sadness or make your grief disappear after your loved one’s cremation services in Eugene, OR., it can help. The act of journaling has been shown time and time again to help people deal with loss, grief, and trauma. Many counselors and support groups use this tool and it’s nice to know you can use it as well. Now, go journal.
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