T.I.M.E to Grieve: Good Grief is Thorough

Welcome to the new format for my weekly update. I’m calling it: T.I.M.E. to Grieve.

Each week, I’ll pick a theme, share an idea on that theme, reflect on the deeper meaning, and give you an exercise to help you put it into practice. I hope you find it helpful for yourself or something you can share with others.

THEME

GOOD grief is thorough grief

IDEA

"Grief is not a disorder, a disease or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve." — Earl Grollman

“Grief that is good is deep and wide and touches every area of your life.”

MEANING

The only cure for grief is to grieve thoroughly. If you try to take short cuts while grieving, you will find yourself alone and in a place you never intended to be.

Thorough grief includes a willingness to go down into your grief. It also involves a willingness to open up to new ideas and connecting with empathetic friends. Thorough grief also happens when you flex and strengthen your resiliency muscles that put you in a place where healing can happen.

When those elements are in place, you will eventually discover how to live again. Eventually, you’ll find a new purpose, new identity, and move from surviving to thriving.

Thorough grief is not quick or easy but pays off in the long run.

EXERCISE

In a journal, take some time to reflect on two questions:

• Why do you think thorough grief is worth it?

• What have you noticed will help to keep the grieving process moving?