Theme

Loss of a Loved One

(Available free with and many other themes in the Thinkladder App).

Losing a loved one is a life-altering event. A bomb goes off in the middle of our world, and trying to navigate life afterwards is difficult at best. While our lives will never be the same, there are things we can do to support ourselves in the middle of our grief.

One of these things is to identify limiting beliefs that may be interfering with the grieving process or making our pain even more severe. These could be something like, ‘There is a ‘right’ way that grief should be experienced and processed’, or ‘My grief isn’t as valid as other people’s grief’. Once we have uncovered these beliefs, we can start replacing them with more life-giving ideas. Finding more helpful ways of thinking can lighten the load and provide inner strength for the journey of grief.

If you are struggling with the death of someone dear, then use the ‘Loss of a Loved One’ theme on the Thinkladder app to support you in your journey of grief.

Insights from the ‘Loss of a Loved One’ Theme

I don’t need to judge my emotions right now; I can simply accept them and offer myself comfort and kindness.
Grief carves a hole in me that will one day be a reservoir for joy.
Grief is going to say a lot of things to me that I can choose to feel, without believing.
I refuse to adhere to the societal customs that put a time limit on my grief.
The only way through the pain, is through the pain.

Practical tips to help you navigate this difficult time:

Tips to help you navigate this difficult time:

Allow yourself time and space to grieve: Grieving is a natural and necessary process after losing someone close to you. Trust the ebb and flow of grief, and allow yourself to grieve in your own way and at your own pace. The grieving process is unique to each individual. It’s normal to experience sadness, numbness, anger, and a vast range of other emotions. Healing is possible with time and self-care. Avoid rushing the process or putting pressure on yourself to ‘move on’ too quickly.

Create rituals to honour their memory:  Establishing rituals or traditions can help you find meaning and connection in your grief. This could include lighting a candle, creating a memory box, writing in a journal, or visiting a special place that holds significance. Find ways to honour and celebrate your loved one’s memory that feel meaningful to you.

Connect with others who have experienced loss: Consider joining a support group or seeking out communities where you can connect with others who have gone through similar experiences. Sharing stories, insights, and support with others who understand can provide a sense of belonging and validation.

Don’t forget the basics

Self-compassion is key: Grief is not linear – it’s normal to have ups and downs throughout the process. Remind yourself that while sadness and struggle are often a feature of grief, it’s okay to embrace moments of joy and laughter as they come! Everyone grieves differently, and it’s important to accept your own unique journey as it unfolds.

Take care: Grief is exhausting, so make self-care a priority. Pay attention to your mental and emotional health, but also your physical health. Eat nutritious meals, get regular exercise, and get enough restful sleep. Take time to engage in activities that bring you comfort and peace.

Seek support: Reach out to family and friends who can provide understanding and comfort during this time. If you find that your grief is overwhelming or interfering with your daily functioning, consider seeking professional support from a counsellor or other mental health professional who specialises in grief and bereavement.

If you are struggling with the death of someone dear, then use the ‘Loss of a Loved One’ theme on the Thinkladder app to support you in your journey of grief.