Navigating Grief: Honoring Loss and Embracing Healing

Honoring your loss and navigating the path to healing

Grief is a profound and complex experience that affects not just the heart but the mind and body as well. It can arise from many forms of loss: the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a career shift, or even the loss of your identity or athletic abilities due to injury or retirement. Loss may not just be the physical absence of someone or something, it can also be the loss of a role, a sense of purpose, or the future you had envisioned in your sport.

While grief is often associated with death, it is also deeply intertwined with any situation that brings change and challenges our sense of self. It’s important to remember that grief is not linear. There’s no clear start or end, no specific way to grieve, it moves through you in unpredictable waves. Sometimes it feels like you’re doing okay, and other times it feels like the weight of your loss is unbearable. This is completely normal, and healing takes time, gentleness, and patience with yourself.

This journal section is here to support you through this process. It will guide you to reflect on your loss, explore the range of emotions you may be experiencing, and help you create space for healing. While you may never "get over" your grief, you can learn to carry it with you in a way that fosters growth and resilience.

Understanding the Depth of Your Grief

• What specific loss are you grieving, and how does this loss make you feel at your core? Is it the absence of a person, the change in your identity, or the loss of a certain future you were planning for?

• What physical sensations arise when you think about your grief? Do you feel tightness in your chest, a lump in your throat, fatigue, or restlessness?

• What emotions come up most strongly for you : sadness, anger, guilt, frustration, or something else? How do these emotions change day to day or even hour by hour?

Acknowledging the Complexity of Grief

• Grief often brings a mixture of emotions. Sometimes we can feel both gratitude and sorrow simultaneously. Are there any moments or memories that bring you both joy and sadness? Write about them.

• Have you noticed any "grief triggers" specific people, places, or events that unexpectedly bring your grief to the surface? How do you cope with these moments?

• Do you feel any internal conflict about your grief, like feeling guilty for moving forward or even for experiencing joy during such a difficult time? Explore these conflicting emotions.

Honoring What You've Lost

• Take a moment to reflect on the positive memories or qualities of what you've lost. If it's a loved one, what were the special moments you shared? If it’s the loss of your athletic identity, what were the things you cherished most about being an athlete?

• What are the values or lessons that you've learned from this loss? For example, did you learn more about resilience, love, gratitude, or strength?

• If you could speak to what you've lost, what would you say? What would you express to them, or to that version of yourself? Let your words flow freely without judgment.

Navigating the Grieving Process

• How has your grief impacted your relationships with others? Have you felt isolated or supported? If you feel disconnected, what might you need from others to feel seen or understood?

• Are there specific support systems or people in your life that have helped you? How can you reach out for help when you feel overwhelmed or need someone to talk to?

• Reflect on the ways you've been coping with your grief. Are there habits or behaviors you’ve turned to that are comforting (e.g., journaling, exercising, meditation, talking to a friend)? Which of these have been helpful, and which might you need to adjust or seek support to explore further?

Finding Meaning and Healing

• Sometimes, it can feel like there’s no purpose or reason for the pain. What are ways you can find meaning in your grief, even in the most difficult moments? Perhaps through honoring your loss, creating something in their memory, or contributing to something meaningful in your community?

• Healing doesn’t mean forgetting or moving on completely, it’s about finding new ways to live with the loss. How would you define healing for yourself? Does it look like acceptance, peace, strength, or finding new purpose?

• What steps can you take toward healing? It might involve giving yourself permission to feel whatever you're feeling, setting boundaries to protect your energy, or seeking professional help to work through the emotions and pain.

Moving Forward with Grief

• What are the things you have learned about yourself through this grief process? How have you changed or grown as a result of this loss, even if it feels painful to acknowledge?

• Grief often requires ongoing care and attention. How can you continue to honor your grief while still allowing space for joy, laughter, and new experiences?

• What are small ways you can care for yourself during this time? Whether it's taking time for quiet reflection, seeking moments of peace in nature, or allowing yourself rest, how can you support your well-being as you navigate your grief?

"Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love, a testament to the depth of the connection that was once shared." 

Grief is a deeply personal journey, and there’s no “right” way to go through it. Remember, your grief is valid, and it's okay to take it one step at a time. You are allowed to feel all of the emotions that come with loss, and it's okay to seek help or find ways to make space for healing. Through this process, you will discover new strengths and a deeper sense of self.