Honoring the Memory of a Loved One
Losing a loved one is challenging. Many times, we feel incredibly overwhelmed by the pain that comes with loss. Thus, we experience many emotions when we grieve, such as shock, rage, guilt, and sadness. When people lose a loved one, they tend to ask themselves how they can honor their memory.
In the computer-animated movie Up, we see Carl Fredricksen face the death of his wife, Ellie. Carl feels sad and regretful because they never accomplished their dream of visiting Paradise Falls together.
Carl feels tormented by his pain. He can’t bear to face the death of the person he loved the most in the world. Thus, he becomes taciturn and moody.
Experiencing a loss
Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s emotional suffering we must deal with despite the emotions it entails.
When it comes to grieving processes, we must state that each one different. We’re all our own person, which is why we all face things differently. Grieving is a complex process that takes time and effort. Thus, the best thing people who are grieving can do is stop comparing their process to other people’s.
Moreover, a very common mistake some people make is telling others how they should grieve. Every person does it in a different way. Not only that, but a person who’s mourning a loss should ultimately be the one to decide how they want to process this absence.
Honoring the memory of a loved one
In the film Up, Fredricksen finds a creative way to process his grief. As a last gift to his deceased wife, Carl decides to go on the trip they had dreamed of for years. Carl comes up with a strategy to take their house to Paradise Falls, the place Ellie always wanted to visit.
There are multiple ways to process grief. Up next, we’ll be touching on several ways of honoring the memory of a loved one.
Do a charitable act on behalf of your loved one
As much as we sometimes feel eager to help, we usually end up feeling confused as in how to actually do it. Some people have found that helping others in need has made them feel better when they’ve mourned a loved one. If you like this idea, all you have to do is choose an activity you’re good at.
Although honoring the memory of a loved one may sometimes be difficult, this is a great way to do so.
Let out your emotions
Be conscious of your emotions and avoid repressing them. Expressing your emotions and thoughts is a crucial part of this process. If you don’t, you’ll sooner or later feel suffocated by them.
We understand that externalizing your emotions may be easier said than done. However, you don’t have to necessarily talk about them. Writing is a great way to express yourself. Another great self-expression method is painting.
Surround yourself with love
In times of mourning and loss, many people fall into a state of depression and a vicious cycle of despair, apathy, and sadness.
Depression is often accompanied by drowsiness, mood swings, and a tendency to loneliness. Loneliness is sometimes important and beneficial because it allows people to have some space to think. However, loneliness can be harmful during grieving processes.
Actions lead to healing
Several experts state that there are five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Although some people experience grief in stages, it generally doesn’t happen that way.
People have good days and bad days. Remember to be nice to yourself as you process your grief. Don’t be discouraged if you wake up one day and feel as if the world is ending. Grief is a taxing and arduous journey, but be confident you’ll make it through.
We have some suggestions for you. First of all, organize all the responsibilities that come with death. Making a to-do list will help you stay organized and not fall into despair.
Our second suggestion is to c ommunicate with your own body. What you eat is crucial during this process, as eating healthy will make you feel better. Our third and last suggestion is to exercise regularly. Just like eating healthy, exercising releases a series of well-being hormones.
Managing grief at your own pace
We have one final but very important thing to tell you: grieving isn’t a race. It’s one thing to talk to people who have lost a loved one before and learn some things from their experiences and another to believe that your process must be the same as theirs. We can’t stress this enough: mourning takes time. Thus, be kind to yourself and respect your rhythm.
We know that you want to feel better as soon as possible, but don’t rush it. Everyone is different and processes things differently. Thus, honoring the memory of a loved one is an individual process.