Grief and the Realities of Life

In the past few months, several of my friends have lost parents or spouses due to age and/or illness. Some were anticipated, others were not. But each passing left a big impact on those left behind.

Grief is something that is very personal. The loss of a parent, spouse, friend, and yes, even a pet, can have a major effect on us. The recovery process is different for each of us, and for some, recovery isn't possible without the assistance of counseling, spiritual guidance, and other forms of assistance. A very dear friend (whose Mother recently left this world) calls the process the Three Ts - time, tears and talk. How right she is.

The Three Ts

Time - do not push yourself. Time heals. Time gives us the opportunity to realize that while we have lost the physical presence of a loved one, they will reside within us for all time.

Tears - yes, tears are necessary to release the pent-up emotions. Tears may come at the most unexpected moments, but come they must. Tears are a natural outlet for our grief and a healthy outlet for both male and female grievers.

Talk - find a trusted friend, spiritual advisor, grief counselor, even a grief support group - and talk and talk and talk. As you talk your way through the process, you will discover some amazing things about the person who is no longer physically with you, and about yourself as well. Once again, this is healthy for both genders.

It is also important to realize that tears and talk may make others uncomfortable, because they often don't know how to respond. If that is the case, find someone who has lost someone, or a professional with whom to share your grief.

Help is at hand

For those of you who believe your grief is insurmountable, there is help. I recommend two books that I believe will bring solace, comfort, and even resolution to the reader. Those books are: The Power of a Broken-Open Heart, by Julie Interrante ( http://julieinterrante.com/ ) and Move On Without Me, by Susan C. Beer ( http://www.moveonwithoutme.com/ ). Watch Julie's interview on The Authors Show web-TV or listen to Susan's interview on The Authors Show web-radio.

As difficult as it may be to read, much less accept, death is a reality of life. It will happen to all of us at some point. We never know when it will strike. Please, live every day to the fullest, tell your spouse, your children, your parents, your friends that you love them. Always leave loved ones with loving words - it could be the last time you hear their voice. Hug your pet, stare at the stars, walk in the garden, eat great food and drink fine wine, because a full life is not determined by how long you live, but by how well.

Linda S. Thompson is founder and president of Life Path Solutions, who specializes in helping you understand, work, and live with those around you. She is the author of Every Generation Needs a New Revolution. Linda is available to speak on various topics about the generations and can be contacted through her website. For more information about Linda's books, Workshops in a Box, and lecture topics, along with other free articles, please visit her website at http://LifePathSolutions.biz/