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Writer's pictureAnita Arrunategui

Finding Hope During the Holidays: Acknowledge the Pain

Updated: 39 minutes ago




Grief is a natural response to loss, and the pain that comes with it is a sign of the deep connection we had with the person who has passed. Acknowledging the pain honors that connection and validates the love we shared. Ignoring or suppressing the pain can lead to prolonged suffering, emotional numbness, or even physical health issues. Facing the pain head-on allows us to process our emotions, which is essential for healing.


Sarah’s Experience

After losing her mother, Sarah initially tried to push the pain away. She busied herself with work and avoided anything that reminded her of her mother, especially during the holidays. But as Christmas drew closer, the grief she had been suppressing started to surface. Sarah realized that she couldn’t move forward without facing the pain she was carrying.


One evening, Sarah decided to allow herself to fully feel her emotions. She sat down in front of the Christmas tree, surrounded by ornaments her mother had loved, and let the tears come. She remembered the laughter, the love, and the warmth her mother had brought to every holiday season. By acknowledging her pain, Sarah found a sense of release. It was the first step in her journey toward healing.


Here are some practical steps to work through the pain:


1. Give Yourself Permission to Feel:  Allow yourself to experience the full range of emotions, from sadness to anger, without judgment. Sarah gave herself the space to cry, knowing that it was a natural part of grieving.


2. Create a Safe Space for Reflection: Find a quiet place where you can be alone with your thoughts. For Sarah, this was sitting by the Christmas tree with her mother’s favorite ornaments. This space became a sanctuary where she could reflect on her memories and emotions.


3. Express Your Emotions: Journaling, talking with a trusted friend, or seeking out a counselor can help you articulate what you’re feeling. Sarah found comfort in writing letters to her mother, expressing the things she wished she could say.


4. Engage in Prayer or Meditation:  Turning to your faith can provide solace and strength. Sarah began to pray more, asking God to help her navigate the pain. Meditation also helped her stay present and grounded.


5. Lean on Your Support System: Share your feelings with those who care about you. Let them know what you need, whether it’s a listening ear or a quiet presence. Sarah reached out to her church community and close friends, finding comfort in their support.


6. Honor Your Loved One’s Memory:  Engage in activities that keep the memory of your loved one alive in a meaningful way. Sarah started a new tradition of hanging a special ornament on the tree in honor of her mother, turning a moment of sadness into one of remembrance and love.


Moving Forward

Acknowledging the pain of grief is not about dwelling in sorrow, but about giving yourself the opportunity to heal. Just as Sarah learned, facing the pain allows us to move through it, rather than getting stuck in it. By taking practical steps to work through the pain, you can begin to find moments of peace and even joy, even in the midst of loss.


 


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