Thankfulness in Grief

Count Your Blessings–Easier Said Than Done

During grief, feeling like everything is against you and what you hoped for in life makes any thankfulness feel miles away. Constant reminders of your loved one who passed away surround you, popping up everywhere. There are times when you feel incredible sadness, and those are always in inconvenient places. And, the challenge of being happy for anything, especially when it comes to being thankful, feels impossible.

But, that is exactly it.

Even if thankfulness in grief is a challenge, we must rise to it. We find that we unlock something within ourselves we didn’t know was possible. That’s called strength.

Strength doesn’t always mean putting on a “brave face.” Sometimes it’s the opposite. Sometimes it is allowing yourself to release your emotions to a trusted source. Other times, it can be stoicism and finding the courage to remain positive despite heavy losses. Strength comes down to thankfulness in grief.

How to Find Thankfulness in Grief

Finding thankfulness in grief doesn’t have to be a burden. Think of it simply. Ask yourself these questions:

• What is one good thing that happened today?
• Did anything make me smile today or find relief?
• How did my “grief relief source” help me in one way?

These questions may feel overbearing. That’s okay. We have some simpler ways to find a tiny bit of thankfulness in grief. Here are those tips:

• Watch the sunrise or sunset. What colors do you like?
• Notice the birds in the backyard. Did you like any birdsong?

Lastly, one great tip is to journal daily. In your journal, write three things you are grateful for. They can be something as small as your favorite book or a friend bringing you a meal. After you try these tips, ask yourself how you feel and what made you grateful for that thing. It is a small step to finding thankfulness in grief.

Other Ways to Find Thankfulness in Grief

Looking deeper can be a wonderful way to find thankfulness in grief. If you are religious, find one thing to appreciate that you were given. For example, if you are a Christian, thanking God for waking up today is one way to be grateful. Spending time in prayer or meditation has proven to help many people in grief, whether praying a rosary or listening to calm, stress-relieving music with your eyes closed. Here is another tip for today: be thankful for Thanksgiving. Our ancestors have worked at making this country the “land of the free.” Find something to be grateful for in America today.

In conclusion, there are ways to find thankfulness in grief. It is possible, even if it feels like it isn’t. Sometimes all it takes is a moment of silent pondering.

Happy Thanksgiving from us all at Bakken-Young.

Bakken-Young offers free grief support for you during the holiday season and all year round. We want to support you in the best way possible which is why our calendar of events is available to you. Stay updated with our grief support events on our calendar here and contact us today with your questions. We are ready to help.