There is no way around it; grief is painful. It’s hard to experience it yourself and it’s terribly difficult to watch someone you love in so much pain. But what’s the alternative?

You can’t medicate your grief; at some point you have to stop and the pain comes rushing back. Distractions do help; but if you aren’t grieving your loss, eventually distractions end and you’re once again left with the pain.

So what does work? Allowing yourself to fully mourn your loss so you can ultimately accept it and move on with your life. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t begin to re-enter during the process. In fact, making your way back into the world goes a long way in helping you work through your grief.

Patience and purpose are helpful healers. Activities and deeds, such as work, hobbies, interests, and volunteering are excellent ways to distract while helping the mind refocus. And when you’re in a place where it’s difficult to feel joy, there is satisfaction in accomplishing tasks and joy in helping others.

Transitions are never easy and this is a tough one to make.  Everyone works through grief in their own way and in their own time; so cut yourself or your loved one some slack and go with what works.