New Year’s Resolutions for the Bereaved

If you lost someone close to you this year – be it a friend, family member, colleague, or classmate – you are probably entering 2018 with a very different mind set. New Year’s Resolutions might seem silly or trivial, and life feels unpredictable.

While it may not work for everyone, some find planning and working towards a goal is a great way to cope with a loss. Here are some suggestions to help you add purpose and meaning to the coming year.

Volunteer

Many find that giving up some free time for a cause that’s important to them is a great way to get outside of one’s comfort zone. If you want to, choose a cause that relates to the person you lost this year. Whether it’s working with a local charity, helping at a school, coaching a sport’s team, or helping out at a community event. It’s a great way to give back, and you might even meet some new friends with similar goals.

Practice Self-Care

Many of us spend a lot of time doing things for others. Whether it’s working hard at our job, caring for our families, or making time for our friends. These are all wonderful and worthy ways to pass our time here on earth. That said, many of us neglect to care for ourselves. We’re so busy worrying about others – bosses, parents, children, friends – that we forget to worry about ourselves. Self-care is something everyone needs to implement into their lives in some way, shape, or form. This is especially true if you are grieving. Whether it’s taking a nice hot bath undisturbed, practicing yoga every morning, or taking the time to read a good book and drink a hot cup of tea in the evenings. Self-care can be going for a run to clear your head, or joining a club or sports team that you enjoy. It’s about doing things that make you happy and bring you peace.

Travel

Whether you go camping in a local park or travel abroad – travel can be quite restorative. Is there a place you’ve always wanted to go but never did because of some silly reason? if this year has taught you anything it’s that life is short and precious. Make 2018 the year you save for your dream vacation. Experiences are often more valuable than things.

Spend more time with loved ones

Is there an aunt or grandparent you don’t visit enough? A friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with but haven’t? Stop putting it off. Even if it’s just dropping by for tea or meeting up for coffee – it can be meaningful to all involved. If you can’t visit, make a point of calling or Skyping more often to maintain that bond and connection.

What are your New Year’s Resolutions?

Happy New Year from all of us at Chapel Ridge Funeral Home & Cremation Centre in Markham!