5 Signs You Are Ready to Begin Healing From Your Grief

A few months after my husband died, I found myself in deep emotional turmoil and uncertain about how to move forward. I yearned to reclaim my life, to feel joy again, and to enjoy the things I loved before my husband’s death, but I had no idea how. Reflecting on that time, I now understand that my decision to actively pursue healing was crucial. It was a conscious choice to rebuild my life and find a new path forward without him. I sought out professional help and began the process to heal from my grief, one day at a time and one step at a time.

Deciding to heal from your grief is a significant and personal step. It requires readiness and a commitment to moving forward. If you’re contemplating this journey, here are some key signs that indicate you are ready to begin your healing process:​

​1. You have acknowledged your loss: One of the first signs that you’re ready to heal is that you’re acknowledged your loss and recognize that your person is not coming back. Your loss is deeply affecting you, and you’re no longer trying to suppress or ignore your emotions. Acknowledging loss is the first step toward healing, as it allows you to confront your feelings and begin the process of working through them.
Example: You find yourself openly talking about your loved one and your feelings, rather than avoiding conversations about your loss. You might also be seeking out resources or support to help you understand and manage your grief.

2. You are ready to address the difficult emotions of grief: Accepting that grief comes with a lot of intense emotions like guilt, anger, intense sadness, and helplessness is a good first step towards healing. Allowing yourself to feel these emotions will put you on a path towards moving past them and forward in your grief.
Example: You are open to discussing your emotions with trusted friends, family or a grief professional and may even seek out creative outlets to express your grief like journaling. This readiness to address the pain is a positive step towards healing.

3. You are tired of standing still and not moving forward in life: You’re feeling exhausted and drained by the persistent pain of grief, and you’re eager to break free from the feeling of being stuck. You’re ready to embrace healing and personal growth to rebuild your life and move forward.
Example: You may be feeling motivated to engage in activities that you once enjoyed and have not experienced since your loss. This reflects a readiness to find new purpose after your loss.
 
4. You believe in living fully: You’ve learned that life is precious and recognize that there is more ahead for you. Deep down, you are ready to embrace life again, honor your person’s memory and you seek meaning in your loss.
Example: You are considering ways to honor your loved one through a donation to a favorite charity, planting a tree in their memory or volunteering for a cause.

5. You are reaching out for support: You are ready to ask for help with your grief. Seeking support shows that you recognize you do not have to go through your grief alone and that you are open to guidance to move beyond your pain.
Example: You are considering joining a grief support group or inquiring about professional help or even researching grief coaching programs.

Embarking on a journey towards healing from your grief is deeply personal. We all have the ability to heal, and it is within our power to do that. Recognizing the signs that you are ready to heal can help you understand when you are ready to take that step. If you find yourself feeling any of these indicators, I encourage you to take that first step. Seeking help - deciding to heal from grief is courageous and empowering.

If you’re ready to begin your healing journey, my three-month program Building Strength to Thrive is a transformational program that help you break free from grief and create a brighter tomorrow. Contact me to learn how this personalized coaching program can support you in finding hope and rebuilding your life after loss.