Express Yourself

When you are grieving, it may be helpful to get your feelings of sadness, frustration, and loneliness out on paper. Try:

Journal Writing

Writing in a journal can help you to express all of your thoughts and emotions in a safe and personal way. Visit our Journal Writing section under Staying Connected.

"Perspective on Goodbye" Exercise

Try this exercise as a way to see your loved one in a healthy way. Completing this exercise will help you to remember him or her as a real person, with faults and virtues.
1) Fold a sheet of paper in half length-wise.
2) On one side, jot down the things you admired, respected, or liked about your loved one. This should be easy, but don't list more than 10 items.
3) On the other half of the paper, write down the things you disliked, did not admire, or did not respect. Be truthful. Try to put down 10 items, even though you may not feel that you have anything negative to express.

Tip: As you complete this exercise, let your mind flow with both positive and negative thoughts. As you get these thoughts out on paper, you will experience a release of emotions.
Carry this list around with you, and read it when you need a reminder that your loved one was neither perfect nor completely imperfect.
From: The Survival Handbook for Widows by Ruth Loewinsohn You are viewing the printer-friendly page version of Express Yourself

Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215
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Category: Grief and Loss Tips & Extras
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