Thursday, 4 August 2022

Everything changes after the loss of a spouse or partner. For many, this was the person we spent most of our time with. This is who we made our plans with, the one who shared our worries. Every part of the past, present and future revolved around this person, and to be without them is harder than we ever could have guessed.

Be Patient

First, give yourself permission to fully grieve your loss. Be patient with yourself and your grief. Set aside dedicated time to be with your grief and try not to rush healing. Don’t rush major decisions – only move forward when you’re ready.

Let Things Be Different

After the loss of a partner, you may notice that things feel very different. It’s okay to feel sad about this and to miss them in your life.

Allow yourself the time and space to embrace each new experience that comes your way. For example, holidays may feel very unknown or different than how you have celebrated them in the past. Things may not be the same but remember that it’s possible to be happy again. The first step in this process is to allow things to be different and accept them as they are.

Find a Support Network

If you are in a deep fog of grief, a support network can help support your needs. Grieving the loss of a spouse can be lonely, but a grief support group may connect you with others who are feeling similar pain. Your inner circle of friends and family can also be great to turn to for support. Reach out for support – people may be more eager to listen than you think. Turning to familiar hobbies may also help you reconnect with the things you love about life.

Talk About Your Partner

Healing starts when you can share your grief with others. Talk about your partner as often as you need. Talking about your partner and keeping memories alive can help bring a sense of peace in your life. Speak your partners name out loud and express how much your partner meant to you. Your loved one was a significant part of your life and will always hold a place in your heart.

When you give a voice to memories, you shape the legacy that your loved one left behind. Let their presence and love carry on through your words and stories. Each time you talk about your loved on, you release grief and expand your heart for new things to come.

Learn to Trust the Process

It’s not easy to move forward without your partner, but it is possible. Over time, you will begin to see that life can be meaningful again. The healing doesn’t happen overnight, and you will never get over the loss, but you will learn to live with it.
Loving someone until their last breath is an honour and it takes tremendous courage, at Australian Heritage Funerals, we’re here to help.