These New Year’s Resolutions for the Bereaved Can be Transformative

When you think of New Year’s, what does it mean for you? For many, January 1st signifies the chance to start anew.

If you are facing the year ahead without a beloved family member or friend, you may wish to skip New Year’s resolutions altogether. However, committing to some simple goals can allow you to focus on the future and may even ease your grief.

Below are seven New Year’s resolutions to help you thrive in 2021.

1. Go easier on yourself.

Making it to January 1st does not mean the pain of living without your loved one will magically disappear. However, when you go into the future expecting to have both good days and bad days, it becomes easier to forgive yourself. Vow to treat yourself gently and kinds, as you would a good friend whom you care about.

2. Reach out for help.

It can be hard to know when to reach out but we all reach a point where we can’t go at it alone. If you are struggling, consider joining a support group. Bereavement support is beneficial in several ways. You may even wind up helping someone else who’s going through a similar experience to process their own grief.

3. Try something new.

Introducing something new to your life is a good way to remember what it means to be alive. If you feel guilty about trying something new without your loved one, choose an appealing solitary activity that is just for you. Activities such as knitting, yoga, and writing are solo activities that are great for beginners as well as advanced hobbyists.

4. Eat healthy foods to feel better.

Starting a new diet or vowing to lose weight in the New Year is not novel. The difference here is that the focus is on inward health. Follow a heart-healthy diet or one that gives you a glow from the inside out. For example, going vegetarian for the first week of every month is a popular healthful option.

5. Plan opportunities for remembrance.

Think of some favorite ways to celebrate your loved one. For example, you could participate in their favorite hobby, whip up their favorite foods on their birthday, or create a memorial scrapbook that can be treasured by future generations. 

6. Follow your grief wherever it takes you.

Recognizing that grief is not linear can be a wonderful gift to yourself. You may feel great some days and like you are facing a brick wall on others. Grief moves up and down, forward and backward. It is all normal. Mourn in whatever fashion feels right for you.

7. Seek out new opportunities.

Moving forward does not mean you are leaving your departed loved one behind. Give yourself permission to enjoy life and know that he or she will always be with you, even if not physically.

Getting through special holidays and events without your loved one will be challenging at times. It won’t always be easy but hold on to the knowledge that it will get better with time. We wish you a New Year filled with hope and new possibilities.

We hope these suggestions will help you navigate year ahead. If you need more information or assistance, please feel free to contact our compassionate professionals. We would be honored to speak with you.

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 20 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.