Accepting emotions is a process. It’s important to give yourself time and space to do that. There is no switch on and switch off when you have suffered a loss. When we lost our daughter, it took me an year to get to a normal. Years later I would still get strange feeling on Dec 30th and not know why, until I got present to the date. Time as they say is the best healer. Give yourself time and let yourself grieve. Wishing everyone well !

Topic which is close to my heart, one of the biggest lesson I have learned along both work and personal journey - different people grief differently. Accepting that fact 1st allows us to understand the journey or pain that they are going through. Checking in with them gives them the assurance that someone is there if they needed support. Give them the space and time to heal themselves and this process differs from one individual to another and most importantly don't judge them

Recognizing and becoming aware of your emotions is difficult. Especially when it comes to pin pointing to the exact emotion. It is easy to identify if an emotion is positive or negative but which specific emotion within that category is a lot more difficult. Watch out for your physical reactions. These can be clues but these can be misleading too. For example, when I am angry, my face turns red, my heart rate increases, my blood pressure and body temperature rise, my tone gets higher, etc.... When I am excited, the physical reactions are very similar - my face turns red, my heart rate increases, my blood pressure and body temperature rise, my tone gets higher, etc.... So be astute, honest and self aware at this stage.

From a perspective for those seeing someone grieving, it may be tempting to want to jump in, do anything & everything to make them feel better, and while those are good intentions, sometimes those we care for need space and time. Respecting someone’s boundaries is also demonstrating a great amount of care. By communicating you will be there unconditionally when they are ready is being understanding towards their needs. Grieving is a very personal process. Showing you care is being attentive to their needs, and putting aside how maybe you would navigate it if you were in their shoes.

Before we can let go or come out the other side, awareness of what exactly are we feeling is the first step followed by acceptance. One very important aspect of acceptance is that acceptance doesn’t take away pain or lessens it. It makes it easier to bear the weight of the grief. Acceptance also has to be about that grief has its own way of showing up and without shaming, dismissing the ways in which it shows up, one has to let it run its course, time and again. Talking to people who are our support system helps. Being around love and care and understanding helps. Everything is help and it’s important till grief runs its course.

Grief often feels like you're lost in your own silent world, but even in those quiet moments, you're not alone. I've found that opening up to friends or family—who might just be waiting for a sign to come closer—can create a bridge back to the world. Seeking out people who've been there too can make all the difference; there’s an unspoken understanding that's incredibly comforting. And if face-to-face feels like too much, there are support groups and counselors who can meet you right where you are, even if that's from behind a screen for now.

Sometimes family and friends who have never experienced loss may not understand and expect you to 'just snap out of it'. If you find you are struggling to find someone you can talk to then reach out to a professional grief coach or counsellor. Because the grief process can take time and feel more difficult in the second year, you may want to find someone you can contact, just in case you need them.

Seeking support from someone you trust can make a significant difference during the grieving process. Whether it be a friend, family member, or therapist, talking about your emotions and sharing your experiences can be incredibly healing. Having someone to listen empathetically without judgment can provide a safe space for you to express yourself openly and honestly. Remember, grief is a unique and personal journey, and there is no right or wrong way to experience it. Being gentle with yourself, allowing yourself to feel, and seeking healthy outlets for expression are important steps towards healing during this challenging time.

Remember there is no right or wrong way to take care of yourself. Experiment with different hobbies, support groups, routines. Just give yourself some time to see what works and what doesn't.

In appreciate these tips,”Make sure you get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and avoid alcohol or drugs that can worsen your mood or impair your judgment.”

Loss comes in so many different ways and effects us differently each time. The ending of the relationship can mean a shift in life, how you think about them and yourself. The denial stage of grief means it may be some time before you accept they have gone. The circumstances of their passing may make it more difficult than usual to accept (e.g. if it's sudden and you never get to see them again). There may be a feeling of survivors guilt. Work through by finding/accepting your purpose for still being here, and what they would have wished for you. Find a way of working through your new reality. Love and memories remain long after a loss. If possible take ownership and accept that your love, your experience is a gift and it is yours alone.

IMAGINATION is a very powerful and important ability, when getting used to not having our most loved ones around physically. Talk, communicate with your loved ones who have passed. Write letters to them, remember and imagine what it felt like to hold them and talk to them. Converse with them, imagine what their answers and responses would be. When you’re done with the conversation, say “Goodbye, until we meet again” and return to your present reality. Yes. they have passed, but they are still in your heart. That is what you have of them and no one can take away from you. You KNOW them. Use what they gave you of themselves. That is never gone.

10 emotional intelligence strategies to help individuals grieving or experiencing loss: 1. Active listening: Listen empathetically, without judgment or interruption. 2. Validate emotions: Acknowledge and accept their feelings of pain and sorrow. 3. Provide support: Be available to listen and assist in any way needed. 4. Show empathy: Try to understand their perspective and connect with their experience. 5. Practice patience: Allow them to grieve at their own pace without pressure. 6. Offer practical help: Assist with daily tasks or funeral arrangements. 7. Encourage self-care: Remind them to take care of their physical and emotional well-being. 8. Avoid comparisons and judgment 9. Respect boundaries 10. Provide resources

Let's not forget to be there for each other, too. Everyone's grief is as unique as a fingerprint, and what helps one person may not help another. Sometimes just being there is enough. Whether someone needs a hug or a moment of quiet companionship, let's be ready to offer what they need without judgment.

Elibeth Kubler Ross Model - present led visually using a diagram shows the different stages of grief and what happens to people at the various stages can be very useful to understand this. Fischer Curve is another such example that demonstrates the emotions at various stages of grief and loss. Interestingly, although these started as a grief coping theory, elements of this can be applied when you experience change of any type as well. Do look them up as good resources to further enhance your knowledge and understanding.

If grief and the emotions associated overcome you at sudden and appropriate times, or you find yourself still grieving after 2 years, look at self-hypnosis and make a request to your unconscious mind that it continues the grieving process between 1 and 3 am while you are sleeping.