Congratulate Yourself, You're Coping with Grief.

Coping with Grief / Coping with Grief : Eleanor Haley



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Congratulations!

No seriously, congratulations.

You are doing it. You are surviving. You are breathing in and out, and you are putting one foot in front of the other. In the past, you probably wouldn't have considered these things accomplishments, but that was before you began walking around in the darkness of grief with a broken heart.

Over time, I've come to believe that coping with grief is about doing small things and taking tiny steps that shift your wellness gauge towards 'okay' bit-by-bit-by-bit. The downside of this is that grief can feel like ongoing and long lasting work, but the upside is that the work can be done in manageable doses and, most likely, you're already doing it. So congratulations. You're doing it. You're coping with grief. 

slowly shifting from not okay to okay
"look how far i've come"

I know many of you will want to reject my praise because grief has been known to cause self-doubt false modesty. Many people feel not-good-enough because they compare themselves to their before-grief selves or some other ideal. So if you're comparing yourself to your before-grief self, stop right now. When you compare yourself to the before-grief you (or a more-perfect-future-you), you run the risk of overlooking your everyday wins and accomplishments and never noticing how far you've come.

Too often, grieving people beat themselves up for not being able to do things like get over it, get it together, keep it together, go back to normal, be strong, be inspiring, grow, grieve the 'right' way, and so on... when, in reality, a) some of these things are unattainable (i.e., getting over it, going back to normal, grieving the 'right' way) and b) the rest I'm willing to bet you're already doing in small ways each and every day.

So, at the risk of sounding cheesy, here's what I want you to do - Take some time to congratulate yourself on the steps you've taken in your grief. No matter how bad you feel or how much you think you're struggling, I guarantee there's at least one thing you can congratulate yourself for in this moment.

Congratulate yourself for getting out of bed today. I don't care what time it was when you got up or how long you waited before getting back in bed. You did it.

Congratulate yourself on getting dressed. I don't care if the only clean thing in your closet today was an old velour tracksuit from the early 2000s. Still counts.

Congratulate yourself on doing your school-work, work-work, or housework. So you don't do windows anymore? Smudged windows have character!

Congratulate yourself for seeking grief support. I don't care if all you could bring yourself to do was read this bonkers grief post. It's the first step.

Congratulate yourself for finding ways to grow, even though I know you'd trade all your growth to have your loved one back.

You get the picture.


Consider doing this as a journal exercise:

Congratulating yourself actually makes for a great journaling exercise. Simply spend some time completing the phrase:

I want to congratulate myself for ___________________________________________

We've even created a worksheet for this exercise. Download it below:


...And consider sharing with the WYG Community:

Sing your praises loud and proud. Congratulate yourself for one thing (or more) in the comment section below. When you've finished, reply to another person's comment and congratulate them for the good job they're doing. It feels good. We promise!

And don't forget to subscribe.

We wrote a book!

After writing online articles for What’s Your Grief
for over a decade, we finally wrote a tangible,
real-life book!

After writing online articles for What’s Your Grief for over a decade, we finally wrote a tangible, real-life book!

What’s Your Grief? Lists to Help you Through Any Loss is for people experiencing any type of loss. This book discusses some of the most common grief experiences and breaks down psychological concepts to help you understand your thoughts and emotions. It also shares useful coping tools, and helps the reader reflect on their unique relationship with grief and loss.

You can find What’s Your Grief? Lists to Help you Through Any Loss wherever you buy books:

Let’s be grief friends.

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73 Comments on "Congratulate Yourself, You're Coping with Grief."

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  1. Gary  September 2, 2022 at 3:58 pm Reply

    I’m 77 and I lost my wife to cancer 18 months ago.We were married 56 yesrs and had been steady sweethearts since we were 14.She was the love of my whole world and her leaving has been devastating.I discovered Grief Share a year ago.The the loving,caring understanding and compassionate people at Grief share as been one of my greatest blessing and source of help during my journey.I have learned so much and so much about my new self.I will forever be thankful for the work you do and the help you have given me.Through you I’m finding pieces of my broken heart that I’m putting back together.Grace to all of you.❤

  2. Beth  June 7, 2021 at 2:31 pm Reply

    5 months since he passed away. 5 months I have been trying to figure out so much, how to keep going, how to make ends meet, how to keep focused on making it through today without breaking down every moment of the day, how to keep breathing, how to remember I can’t call him or text him without sobbing. I’ve made it 5 months. I just miss him.

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  3. Marna Veloso  January 13, 2020 at 5:19 pm Reply

    Reading all these posts and thinking of my daughter’s grief at losing her own beautiful and talented daughter, 22, makes me realize that early on in life, we should be be taught that once you start a family, the family as a whole and each individual in the family are the most important things in life and decisions should be made accordingly from that perspective. We love each other in the family and we do everything for our children, but we have to show our love not only in deeds but also in words. That way, when grief suddenly intrudes, there will be less guilt and regret. I’m praying that we can all recover from our griefs. This forum helps. Congratulations to all!

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  4. Maxine  January 13, 2020 at 1:53 pm Reply

    I had 10 days in a row feeling more positive more able and even made plans but today and yesterday it all crashed again and I feel at the bottom of a very steep hill. Reading this I’m going to say I congratulate myself that I finally got out of bed showered and went to help my daughter in law move furniture.

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  5. Naomi  November 7, 2019 at 1:44 am Reply

    Hi my name is Mondae. I congratulate myself for finding this forum and writing this post. I lost my mother 2 years ago …came home from work found her deceased in bed after she fought and survived breast cancer…my then 13 year old daughter actually found her first, but thought she was asleep. I was in shock for at least 6 months afterwards drinking heavily until i realized it wasn’t helping. 2 months ago my best friend, love of my life was killed in a freak motorcycle accident leaving work to help a friend. We grew up together and loved eachother before we understood what love was. We’ve been thru everything in life together. He lost his mom 5 months before me..then my mom. We comforted eachother thru the hardest times. I never could imagine living the rest of my life without either of them. Both so young. Moma being 56 and him being 40. Its hard everyday. It seems like no one understands. But, i congratulate myself for getting up pressing forward, crying when i need to cry allowing myself to feel the hurt pain and sorrow of each. I congratulate myself for acknowledging that its alright to not be ok somedays, and to know that tomorrow will be better. Im thankful for simple things in life and i dont take anything or anyone for granted. I hope this helps someone…im devastated but im still here.

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  6. Nancy Miringoff  October 7, 2019 at 12:46 pm Reply

    I congratulate myself today for reading this blog and for writing this comment! It is a gloomy day outside, fall is upon us but not in a pretty way today, and yet I am alive, well, reading, writing, just being! I have survived 3 significant deaths in the last 2 years: my mother, my father, and my sister in law who we cared for until her dying day. She was 71, my parents were 92 and 96 respectively. I am looking forward to being able to congratulate someone else who is also a survivor. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to reflect.

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  7. Stephanie McKee  March 27, 2019 at 2:44 pm Reply

    my 3 young children and myself lost my husband and father suddenly and tragically this past summer. So, I congratulate myself for waking up everyday and believeing that there is more to life for. For taking steps towards my dreams, and knowing it’s okay. For taking care of my kids the last 9 months while I know I will never be the parent I use to be. I congratulate myself for admitting I miss my husband and knowing he will never be with me again, but knowing and accepting that, and also knowing it is okay. I congratulate every small step I take, because every small step is forward and forward is a destination. Seeking help in navigating this life and my grief. I congratulate myself for finding the women in me I never knew existed.

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    • Rebecca Lopez  March 27, 2019 at 3:54 pm Reply

      Stephanie my four kids, 2 grandkids and I lost my husband 9 months ago in a car accident. We I agree that I will never be the same but I hope to carry his strength through the tough times. I’ve avoided some of the paperwork and bills but slowly and surely it will get done. I congratulate myself for getting up everyday to take care of my kids and grandkids.

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    • Molly Russell  June 14, 2021 at 4:28 pm Reply

      Stephanie,

      I lost my husband and my two young children lost their dad in Sept 2019. My oldest son, 8 at the time, was the one that found him and is the difference between my husband passing at my house and my husband being able to be an organ donor. I congratulate myself for working, taking care of my kids, and surviving grad school. I also congratulate you for being there for your kiddos as well. Keep on hanging in there, mama!

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  8. Jeanne  March 27, 2019 at 11:43 am Reply

    I love reading all of the things on this site! I lost my 16month old grandson to a rare chromosome disorder on July 18, 2018. Before I could even really grieve his loss my husband had a heart attack on Nov 18, 2018 and passed away unexpectedly. We had been married 36 years and I feel blessed we had that time together. The double grief I have is overwhelming to say the least! But I feel grateful that I still continue to function and live my life, even if it’s with a huge burden of sadness! I have started seeing a counselor and that is helping too. We had an extremely difficult winter here and it was so hard for me to deal with all of the shoveling and house stuff. Now I struggle with how taking care of the yard this summer will go. I am so very torn about keeping or selling the house. But I know I can’t make any rash decisions so I wait to see how it all goes. I will be retiring in May and perhaps things in my life will look differently then too. My heart goes out to all of you as I read your posts. I share your sadness!

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  9. Tracy Balch  March 27, 2019 at 10:55 am Reply

    I congratulate myself for stepping up and helping the community that I care about. I congratulate myself for having the courage to speak about the suicide of my daughter and work on helping to change things in my area. I congratulate myself for sticking here for my family.
    Thank you all for sharing, these are the things that help me.

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  10. Jessica  February 11, 2019 at 1:41 pm Reply

    I congratulate myself for showing up to work today (my second day back). I congratulate myself for understanding that there are things more important than work and if I need more time then to take it. I congratulate myself on being a good wife as we greive his sister. It’s only been a week and a half or so. It all just sucks.

    • Joy Lennartz  February 17, 2019 at 9:53 am Reply

      I congratulate myself for returning to work/school 2 days after my husband’s funeral. I congratulate myself for finding love in all things I see. I congratulate myself for appreciating the 32 years I had with my soulmate my husband. I congratulate myself for getting out with friends and actually laughing and enjoying my journey. I congratulate myself for trying to cope with this overwhelming grief?

    • Nancy Miringoff  October 7, 2019 at 12:57 pm Reply

      Hi Jessica: I am glad you congratulated yourself for showing up for work. That is one of the hardest things to do when a loved one dies: return to work. It takes energy and courage. I congratulate you for moving yourself forward, taking one step at a time. You are brave. I wish you well.

  11. Sana  August 16, 2018 at 10:30 pm Reply

    I congratulate myself on finally opening this link that my sister sent. I congratulate myself on actually reading it and posting here. I congratulate myself for makng it back to work for 8 days before I took a day off. I congratulate myself for getting back to focusing somewhat on my health instead of eating mindlessly. I congratulate myself for washing clothes and dishes today. I congratulate myself for getting up every morning and praying. I congratulate myself for being aware of how I treat others and focusing my mind on kindness when all I want to do is scream. And I congratulate myself on being able to pray for others instead of wallowing in my own grief.

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  12. Catherine  August 1, 2018 at 9:07 pm Reply

    Congratulations to me for taking my car into the dealership to have repairs done. That’s now my responsibility since my husband of almost 44 years died on February 11. 2016. Our daughter had left her abusive partner and come home with her two children (5 and 5) to live with us. On the morning of Feb 11th, he broke into our house, shot my husband in the head, shot my daughter three times and then turned the gun on himself and fired a round into his forehead. He died later in hospital. My daughter survived and now has a titanium plate in her head to replace the bone that was lost. On my husband’s headstone, I had engraved a passage from John 3:15 that reads “No greater love hath a man than he gives up his life for another”

  13. Dawn  March 30, 2018 at 12:15 pm Reply

    I want to congratulate myself on getting back to work, even if I’ve asked for lighter tasks. Congratulations on getting his headstone ordered and paid for. Congratulations for making Tina and Tori go back to school. He would want them in school. Congratulations on fixing the broken toilet.

    Thank you for this article! I’m going to share it with my girls. It’s been 4 weeks since my husband/their dad died.

  14. Dawn  March 30, 2018 at 12:15 pm Reply

    I want to congratulate myself on getting back to work, even if I’ve asked for lighter tasks. Congratulations on getting his headstone ordered and paid for. Congratulations for making Tina and Tori go back to school. He would want them in school. Congratulations on fixing the broken toilet.

    Thank you for this article! I’m going to share it with my girls. It’s been 4 weeks since my husband/their dad died.

  15. Martha Martin  February 19, 2018 at 1:51 pm Reply

    Congratulations to me for writing this. Congratulations that I woke up and went to the gym for the first time in many years, for attending yoga when I would prefer to be home and fell sorry for myself. I lost my husband 4 months ago. I was his caregiver for 11 years that became more intense the last year he was alive. He died the morning after our 25th wedding anniversary. He was my Prince, my sweetie my everything. He loved me unconditionally when perhaps others would not. All confidence went out the window that day and I stumble through the darkness bumping into walls. Congratulations to me for continuing this new journey and finding this beautiful site. I am waiting to hear back on my first counseling session some time later today.

  16. Martha Martin  February 19, 2018 at 1:51 pm Reply

    Congratulations to me for writing this. Congratulations that I woke up and went to the gym for the first time in many years, for attending yoga when I would prefer to be home and fell sorry for myself. I lost my husband 4+ months ago. I was his caregiver for 11 years that became more intense the last year he was alive. He died the morning after our 25th wedding anniversary. He was my Prince, my sweetie my everything. He loved me unconditionally when perhaps others would not. All confidence went out the window that day and I stumble through the darkness bumping into walls. Congratulations to me for continuing this new journey and finding this beautiful site. I am waiting to hear back on my first counseling session some time later today.

  17. Della Sacco  February 19, 2018 at 1:24 pm Reply

    Thank you for this blog. I have appreciated all the postings. I have socialized a bit more this year . I don’t always feel great about it but I know that seeing my new friends has helped me become less withdrawn and learned to deal better with my grieving .

  18. Della Sacco  February 19, 2018 at 1:24 pm Reply

    Thank you for this blog. I have appreciated all the postings. I have socialized a bit more this year . I don’t always feel great about it but I know that seeing my new friends has helped me become less withdrawn and learned to deal better with my grieving .

  19. Allie  January 18, 2018 at 8:53 am Reply

    Congratulations to me – Congratulations for arranging an appointment with a counsellor, for following when she didn’t call for the telephone appointment as arranged. Well done for calling back and arranging another appointment (with a different counsellor). Even though that is pretty much all you managed to do today congratulations for not giving up on getting the help you need.

  20. Allie  January 18, 2018 at 8:53 am Reply

    Congratulations to me – Congratulations for arranging an appointment with a counsellor, for following when she didn’t call for the telephone appointment as arranged. Well done for calling back and arranging another appointment (with a different counsellor). Even though that is pretty much all you managed to do today congratulations for not giving up on getting the help you need.

  21. Peggy  October 26, 2017 at 1:13 pm Reply

    I am congratulating myself for finding this website and for seeing a grief counselor. I am a therapist and decided to take my own advice and seek help with grieving. I lost my sister two years ago and lost my daughter three months ago both to cancer. I thought I could handle it all by myself, especially because I know the coping tools, but that isn’t the case. Grief is its own character and there are not rights or wrongs and I need to feel all of it.

  22. Peggy  October 26, 2017 at 1:13 pm Reply

    I am congratulating myself for finding this website and for seeing a grief counselor. I am a therapist and decided to take my own advice and seek help with grieving. I lost my sister two years ago and lost my daughter three months ago both to cancer. I thought I could handle it all by myself, especially because I know the coping tools, but that isn’t the case. Grief is its own character and there are not rights or wrongs and I need to feel all of it.

  23. Leslie  October 21, 2017 at 10:43 am Reply

    I would like to congratulate myself for attending my first support group….onky after two failed attempts (no one else showed due to new locations, times, etc) and setting up my first counseling appointment. I thought I was doing ok, but then 5 months had passed and I’m not.
    I am soaking up every bit of this website. So greatfull I found it.

  24. Leslie  October 21, 2017 at 10:43 am Reply

    I would like to congratulate myself for attending my first support group….onky after two failed attempts (no one else showed due to new locations, times, etc) and setting up my first counseling appointment. I thought I was doing ok, but then 5 months had passed and I’m not.
    I am soaking up every bit of this website. So greatfull I found it.

    • Peggy  October 26, 2017 at 1:03 pm Reply

      Congratulations Leslie for the taking the first step. Each step will be a reward in itself.

  25. Maria  October 8, 2017 at 8:10 am Reply

    Thanks so much for this blog,, you wont believe how helpful it , really appreciate your time and wonderful words.

  26. Maria  October 8, 2017 at 8:10 am Reply

    Thanks so much for this blog,, you wont believe how helpful it , really appreciate your time and wonderful words.

  27. Joan Keating  August 30, 2017 at 4:26 pm Reply

    This blog is so necessary and am grateful for the common bond…attempting to survive grief.
    Today I accomplished several things:
    Found this site..
    Will call Habitat for Humanity…workshop and garage filled with tools…
    Think about getting dressed…
    Will attempt to:
    Meditate more..
    Be more compassionate…
    Realize my grieving journey…is my grieving journey…
    Repeat my favorite Metta more often during the day…
    May you be safe and protected
    May you be healthy and whole
    May you be happy and content
    And, may you be at peace
    I lost my husband of thirty seven years three months ago. We had a wonderful and very fun marriage.
    He was spectacular his entire life and when he passed, not fearful and surrounded with love.
    I cannot imagine losing him suddenly, dieing too young or not being with him when he passed as so many of you have. For this I am so grateful.
    Blessings to all of you

  28. Eden Benson  August 10, 2017 at 11:52 am Reply

    I think this article is a very good idea.
    I lost my life partner of 10 years to colon caner 27/1/2027
    This is the 3rd time I have been widowed I am 54 years old.
    It was hard enough to cope with his sudden loss and then all the paperwork. Compounded by a move to a much smaller space.

    I have joined social groups and am joining Toastmasters I am a different person.
    Still trying to work it all out,but proud of myself

  29. Luz  August 7, 2017 at 9:21 pm Reply

    I discovered this website a few weeks ago through the WYG podcast. I liked the worksheet that came with this-it seemed silly at first since I have been journaling daily, but it was actually fun to do. Today I woke up crying but then I meditated, journaled , wrote stuff for work. I jogged 7 miles. I reached out to a couple friends, who live in my hometown where I am visiting right now for the week because I was feeling too lonely in the town I live. My mom died 10 weeks ago, in her early 60s. She had been in and out of the hospital over the past few years, but that doesn’t make now easier. This blog post should be reposted every few months as a reminder that all these little things we are doing are actually a big deal 🙂

  30. Steve Peterson  August 6, 2017 at 1:16 am Reply

    Diana, I am sure the other readers, like I, see your pain in your message. After my wife died, true friends tried to help by packing up my wife’s belongings into boxes to take to Goodwill/Salvation Army/Women’s Shelter. Well, I later went through the boxes and kept things that I didn’t part with. Over time I have let a few more things go. The point is that we let go at a timetable that feels comfortable. We heal at a timetable that feels comfortable. I would like to be “healed” from my pain faster, but I realize that will occur at a time that will be comfortable. It sound like the death of your father put a lot of responsibility on your shoulders. CONGRATULATIONS on shouldering that burden. Also, congratulations on being the feeling person you are. Yes, I believe people in pain are very special people, and if there wasn’t this invisible veil between earth and heaven, you would see those in heaven wanting you to know that they want you to be well, that they are well, and are sympathetic to your pain.

  31. Sally  August 5, 2017 at 3:34 pm Reply

    The idea of congratulating myself for even the small steps helped bring me out of a funk and to realize I’m really not as low as I thought. Thanks to everyone for their comments. I especially appreciate the mantras many have posted as their guides to making the days better.

  32. Kathleen  August 4, 2017 at 2:46 pm Reply

    “Congratulations” seemed so inappropriate at first read…but continuing on into the article I suppose congratulations is as good a “props to us” as any other for surviving the death of someone we love and living through the incredible emotional and physical pain of living with a broken heart. I congratulate us all for the daily breaths and foot steps we place one in front of the other. My tears run freely as I type, for having to participate in this congratulations challenge and I add a BIG congratulations to myself for healing and reclaiming the total use of my shoulder (when I was told I wouldn’t) after falling and breaking the bone after the death of my son. I wanted to give up many times but I heard my son’s voice in my head as a disabled Iraqi combat veteran shouting YOU GOT THIS MOM ! I miss my son.

    • Steve Peterson  August 6, 2017 at 2:11 am Reply

      Bless you Kathleen. I am sorry you have had to deal with your arm pain in addition to your emotional pain. That’s like a double whammy when you least needed it. Just know that there are others out here that are rooting for your recovery both physically and emotionally. I am sending my love to you electronically, just as your son is sending his to you spiritually.

      • Kathleen  September 1, 2017 at 1:43 am

        Steve Peterson….congratulations to us all for having someone as kind as you to reply to our comments. I hope that I can be as comforting to another person suffering the pain of losing someone they love as you have comforted so many of us here on this page. Your effort to be happy, to swim to shore through your sea of sorrow, to be mentally, emotionally and physically fit is a great example for us all. I will take your words to heart, think of you when I falter and remember to be as kind and giving as you have been when the time calls for me to be. You are in my prayers as we move forward through our lives as they are now, grieving and honoring our lost loved ones. Kathleen

  33. Patsy Baxter  August 3, 2017 at 9:44 am Reply

    I guess I could congratulate myself for getting up this morning. I lost my son in a freak motorcycle accident 18 months ago today. I survived aortic dissected surgery, a rare bacterial infection and my immune system totally bottoming out, all of which I was told, most people don’t survive. I survived all of that in 2014, to lose my son 3/3/16. He was 45, accident happened ironically on exit 45 north off ofI-95 in Florida. He was not found for over four hours. So much keeps running through my mind. I can’t seem to stop the emotional , overwhelming wave that keeps trying to drown me. I have two beautiful daughters, whom I love dearly, and the support that I thought , and think should be there for each other, just isn’t there. I known they have their pain, too, but I feel like I’ve been shut out. It hurts so much.
    And I guess I can now congratulate myself for sharing my thoughts. I haven’t been able to do even this much before. It makes me crazy, the gut feeling that something happened that night. Like him getting run off the road, or something physically happening to him. He had ridden all over the U. S. Some things I know that I will never know, but can’t shake the pain.
    Thank you for letting me share. Thank you for sharing with me.

    • Eleanor Haley  August 3, 2017 at 11:19 am Reply

      I’m so sorry Patsy 🙁 Congratulations and thank you for sharing your thoughts.

    • Steve Peterson  August 6, 2017 at 12:57 am Reply

      Patsy, bless you as you relive your pain. Your other children are investing in their lives, I am sure, and maybe it helps to look at it that way. Investing may seem like an odd term to use since we normally think of that as a financial term. I think they know they have to invest the time and energy in their lives to be okay. Maybe, they just don’t know what to communicate to you. Maybe, they feel helpless in making the situation better for you. Their distance or silence maybe just an expression of their helplessness and trying to move on and continue investing in their lives. Your son, I am sure, wants everyone to know that he enjoyed his motorcycle, and never wanted his enjoyment to cause heartache for you and the rest of the family and friends. My grief and circumstances are different, but I know my loved one would not want her passing to have a negative impact on me or the family. Of course, it does, because we are human beings. Sorry for the confusing rambling here, but just know that many of us grievers walk shoulder-to-shoulder with you everyday.

  34. Esther  August 3, 2017 at 1:35 am Reply

    Congratulations to me for attending my friend’s daughter’s wedding on Saturday.
    My daughter died four months ago from an accidental overdose. She and her boyfriend were planning to marry this summer or fall.
    It was a tough day for me but I feel like I held it together and didn’t make anything uncomfortable for anyone.
    It then became a beautiful night while the reception continued under sparkling fairy lights.
    While the event was nothing that my daughter would have chosen for her day, it made me think about what it would have been like, who would have been there, how happy she would have been and now how that it will never be and her boyfriend is shattered.
    But I did it. And I only cried after it got dark and no one saw.

    • Steve Peterson  August 6, 2017 at 1:28 am Reply

      Dear Ester. I am so sorry for your grief, but you had the courage to make the anticipated special day still a special day for those who continue to walk on this little blue planet everyday. I know your daughter is proud that the day was not just cancelled, and that it went on as a memorial to not just her, but to sharing love with each other.

    • Steve Peterson  August 6, 2017 at 2:19 am Reply

      Sorry Esther. My response was a little off base. I didn’t know until I reread your post that you attended a friend’s daughter’s wedding. Well, regardless of my error, CONGRATULATIONS on what I call “taking on the day” when it may have been easier for you to just stay home. That takes courage.

  35. Kathy Mawer  August 3, 2017 at 12:25 am Reply

    It has been two years since the suicide of our beloved son. I have tried to continue on with life. Since our son died on our weddng anniversary I decided we should reclaim that day and celebrate him on his birthday instead of his death day. I try to take care of myself, to look for joy, to be open to reminders of his spirit. For example, I now watch for feathers and imagine them as small messages. …This WYG article was helpful to me because I want to continue learning how to allow my sadness to take its time and not to feel self critical about the past or the present. I am so impressed by what each of the writers has been able to accomplish.

    • Gillian Wen  March 27, 2019 at 1:18 pm Reply

      Congratulations on reclaiming your special day. That’s tough to do. My Mum’s funeral was the day before my husband’s birthday and I’m still struggling to make his birthday be about him after 5 years. Congratluations on being less self-critical. That’s another tough one. I hope you see lots of feathers. Take care.

  36. Shirl  August 2, 2017 at 10:52 pm Reply

    Congratulations to all those who are posting – for your own congratulation responses – so impressed by the many little ways in which we have all managed grief – lots of thanks to WYG for walking this journey with me. Today is the second anniversary of my father’s sudden death that will always be tempered with the joy of also being our only grandson’s birthday – 7 today! It has been a tough two years for our family but I want to congratulate us all on persevering one day at a time – we are determined to find joy in the little things of life and remember the light when the dark surfaces. Haven’t responded before but am very thankful for all the blogs and all the posts – knowing you are not alone and that you are ‘normal’ is so life-giving!

  37. Laura Pasquale  August 2, 2017 at 10:47 pm Reply

    Thank you thank you thank you. With the different losses in my life I have looked for support but never found what I needed till I found you. Finally someone who has experienced the pain and really understands. It is so obvious that you really understand ( and sadly experienced it). God Bless, and again, many thanks, appreciate you more than my words can express.

  38. Katherine  August 2, 2017 at 9:21 pm Reply

    Thank you for this. I congratulate on moving forwatd. Since my husband’s death 15 months ago, I have rented a house, got rid of 2 cars and bought a car, and bought a couch…that is a big deal to me. I have also taken care of my medical stuff. Smsll staps, but I’m moving forward one step at a time.

  39. Andrea  August 2, 2017 at 8:27 pm Reply

    This is what I needed today! I’m facing the two year anniversary of my husband passing to cancer. I found myself a widow at 49, my two boys have gone overseas and I’m wondering what next for me! Im at a crossroads again but after a tough week of being sick with the flu and feeling so lonely I’m coming out the other side and starting to realise I really do need to plan now for my future. So I will congratulate that decision in its own right. The other words and thoughts from people have inspired me too – thank you

  40. Barbara Friedman  August 2, 2017 at 6:45 pm Reply

    This was just what I needed today. Its been almost 2 1/2 years since the love of my life passed. His birthday is Saturday and every day without him is still so painful. But…I am making progress and now will congratulate myself for each day I honor his memory and myself. Thank you so much!

    • Steve Peterson  August 6, 2017 at 2:39 am Reply

      Barbara, you are a beautiful human being as you honor your loved one. I am sure he wishes he could have been with you longer, and is your best fan in seeing you make progress in your walk through grief.

  41. Jacinda Padilla  August 2, 2017 at 3:45 pm Reply

    I so needed this today! Thank you!

    • Steve Peterson  August 6, 2017 at 2:25 am Reply

      Yes, we all need this support either virtually or with family and friends. As human beings, we just need each other. We are not meant to be alone in many ways, except some are okay with living alone. I need this forum. I don’t like to burden my family and friends with my dark moments. I just feel better reading this forum and knowing that I am not alone.

  42. Jackie  August 2, 2017 at 3:37 pm Reply

    Next week we would have been married 42 years, it will be 4 years without him come this December. Most days I can talk about him without crying and reminisce with the kids about the dad they lost. I’ve left my home, moved to take care of my youngest grandchild. It’s not the dream I had for my life, but I am beginning to dream of a new one.

    • Steve Peterson  August 6, 2017 at 2:04 am Reply

      Jackie, bless you! I lost my wife of 44 years, and I enjoy the company of my two precious grand-daughters ages 4 and 5. I never knew that I would enjoy being a grandfather so much. Those little gifts from heaven have given me so much joy. They are a great distraction from my grief. A day with my family including my grandchildren is a day of sunshine and a partly cloudy sky. A day without them is overcast with the possibility of emotional storms. I am doing what I consider to be okay with my grief. Yeah, it is still there, but I have hope my progress will continue, and someday I will be in a better place. So CONGRATULATIONS to those who still have hope despite their grief trying to erode it away.

  43. Shawna  August 2, 2017 at 3:03 pm Reply

    Thank you. I’m so grateful for your blogs and for everyone’s comments. <3
    Congratulations Shawna, you've made it three months without your Mom. I know you didn't think you could , but you have; and you will continue to make it.

  44. Frances M Worden  August 2, 2017 at 2:19 pm Reply

    It’s been almost 15 months since my oldest daughter’s suicide. I congratulate myself for facing my intense guilt and enormous load of regrets. I congratulate myself for surviving and for finding a new line of work for a while and for keeping myself healthy by eating well and exercing. I have a long journey but I can travel at my own pace.

    • Steve Peterson  August 6, 2017 at 1:40 am Reply

      Frances: “You go girl!” And go at your own comfortable pace. I know you have been through a lot of pain, and it is hopeful to the rest of us, who may be new to their grief, to see others make progress. I consider myself kind of lost in the wilderness without a compass, but I can CONGRATULATE myself that at least I am up and moving everyday even if it is in a circle.

  45. Marie Johnson  August 2, 2017 at 1:08 pm Reply

    Your article was spot on!
    This is a card I put in my purse to remind me how to have a Great Day.
    Do something outside.
    Make someone smile.
    Accomplish one task.
    Enjoy a song.
    Learn something new.
    Acknowledge something beautiful.
    Marie

    • Steve Peterson  August 6, 2017 at 2:32 am Reply

      Thank you Marie! Such practical ideas. I went to the beach on Friday, and there was something about the waves hitting the shore that kept me mesmerized and feeling healing within. I make it a point to make life better for others, because it makes me feel better, too. A smile doesn’t cost anything, a kind word doesn’t cost anything, holding a door open for others doesn’t cost anything. So I am going to put your list on a piece of paper and see if I can accomplish those things every day.

  46. Mary Rockwell  August 2, 2017 at 1:06 pm Reply

    My husband died 6 months ago, and I sometimes can’t believe I survived this far. His death was sudden and left me with mountains of paper, business and money issues, plus a garage filled with tools I couldn’t identify. I set out to simplify my life and am happy to say all the business has been taken care of and I have accomplished the simplicity I needed and still need. I don’t fight my grief…I call it a beast with claws and teeth. I welcome it and am finding that while the pain is still intense, the length of these painful visits is shorter. My mantra each day continues to be, “I am alive; I will survive,” and will continue to recognize moments of happiness, however muted.

    • Marie Johnson  August 2, 2017 at 1:18 pm Reply

      Thanks, Mary! Your comment about “a garage filled with tools I couldn’t identify” hit a chord. As I found new homes for all the tools my husband had accumulated, I kept saying, I’m sorry! Finally, it dawned on me. Practically speaking, if I don’t know what it is, how would I ever use it? All those things were a connection and snap, they were gone. Do I miss my husband more? No, and my simplified life is helping me to cope! Marie

    • Jacinda Padilla  August 2, 2017 at 3:44 pm Reply

      Oh Mary, sending hugs! The end of this month will be a year for me. I have a whole storage unit of tools I can not identify!! I can’t seem to get rid of it.

    • Helen  August 2, 2017 at 7:07 pm Reply

      I feel for you, Mary. My husband died just over a year ago, also suddenly, also leaving lots of paperwork. It was 10 months later that I spent a day organising the garage. I threw some things away, kept others even though I know I will never use them – I may not know what they all are, but at least I now know where they are! I find I need to do the clearing out in small stages. My new mantra is “one thing at a time”.

    • Judith Volkar  August 2, 2017 at 8:55 pm Reply

      Mary,congratulations on getting rid of unidentified tools I took the first step and called habitat for humanity to see if they wanted some. Apparently they don’t want 20 bins of assorted nuts, bolts, screws, but would be interested in 2 routers, compound mitre saw, and seven or so drills. Plus lots of things I might know what they are. Trying to purge over the next six months so I could think about selling.

  47. Stef  August 2, 2017 at 1:01 pm Reply

    I Want to congratulate myself on becoming a better person after losing my husband this past September. It will be one year in a few weeks and I am a totally different person than I was. I packed up my life and dog and moved from Texas to Florida to be near the sea. I went back to school and got a CNA license and am now making a difference in others lives. Yes I have my horrible dark grief attack days but I’m finding that I’m starting to have more good days than bad. I see that I am stronger than I ever thought I could be. I am brave. I am blessed I am not alone, even in my darkest moments. I have finally stopped looking at every thing as before Bill died/ after Bill died and starting accept that I need to live for now. I need to live, I’m still here . This is my new life, my new reality. Im proud that I survived.

    • Frances M Worden  August 2, 2017 at 2:20 pm Reply

      Congratulations! !! You are taking care of yourself. I’m proud of you.

      • Stef  August 9, 2017 at 9:02 pm

        Thank you Francis

    • Steve Peterson  August 6, 2017 at 1:53 am Reply

      Wow Stef! It sounds like their was buried inner strength that came to the surface after Bill died. My wife died suddenly although she was ill, but regardless of the timing, I have made an effort to be happy. I believe happiness takes work which takes inner strength and action. I believe I have been dumped overboard into a sea of sorrow, and I could just lay there or swim to shore. I am swimming. The shore is not that close, but I am doing the work (trying to be mentally, emotionally, and physically fit) to make it to shore. I am hopeful that I make it. And being hopeful is a powerful motivator as is having friends and family wanting you to succeed. Bless you, and congratulations on your progress.

      • Stef  August 9, 2017 at 9:00 pm

        Yes, I know how hard it can be. Hang in there Steve. Reach out to those around you when you need support. You are not alone. Very best wishes!

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