Finding Joy in Grief
When you’re consumed by grief, it can feel like you’ll never feel joy again. And when you do, it can feel like you’re abandoning your grief or love your person less.
Good news! Joy and grief co-exist. In fact, they must: healthy grief is made up of a mixture of sadness and joy and disappointment and hope.
Here are a few ideas to start finding joy in your grief:
- Think about how joy shows up in your life.
- Share a moment where you felt most connected to your loved one with a friend.
- Every day for a week intentionally go out and write down one small moment of joy, comfort, or peace, even if it is bittersweet, for example you could write down you watched the sunset or made yourself some tea.
Try one of these rituals for finding joy:
- Joy Jar: Get a jar and use it to drop in notes on little joyful moments to go back to
- Mindful Sips (or bites): Choose one drink (or meal) to savor, no distractions only being in the presence
- Emotion Naming: Light a candle and speak out or journal your different emotions
Here are a few rituals for mental health:
- Unplugged Nature Walk: Go outside no technology and let your senses lead the way
- Gratitude Check-in: Write down 1-3 moments that have brought you peace
- A Joyful Moment: Do an activity that brings you joy like having a dance break, gently stretch, or go on a walk with music
How are you finding joy this month? Reply to this email and let us know!
Video: Finding Joy Through Heartache
Video: Finding Joy in Grief
Book: When all that’s Left of Me is Love A Daughters story of Letting Go By Linda Campanella
Article: How to Find Joy in the Midst of Grief
“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.” – Paulo Coelho
“Some of you say, “Joy is greater than sorrow,” and others say, “Nay, sorrow is the greater.”
But I say unto you, they are inseparable.
Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.” – Kahlil Gibran from poem “On Joy and Sorrow”
“It’s okay to smile, laugh and feel joy while grieving. Small joys honor your journey, not diminish it” Ann Boleche
Poem: Joy Chose You, Pg 9, Donna Ashworth, Wild Hope
