It’s never easy to lose a loved one.  It’s never easy to say goodbye!

On Friday, my cousin, Estela, passed.  To say, I am still in disbelief, it’s an understatement.  Three weeks prior, we all got together for lunch to celebrate my mother’s 81st birthday.  We had a wonderful time celebrating.  In hindsight, I wish I would have known it was the last time I would see her.  There are so many things I would have said to her.  I would have told her how much I loved her.  I would have told her how important she was in my life.  I have so many beautiful and meaningful memories with her.  She was always genuinely happy to see you. She was supportive, never judgmental, loving and very considerate.  When she was happy for you, she meant it.  If she was concerned for you, she meant it.  I knew that whatever she said was always what she meant.  Her sincerity and humility made her an authentic human being.  Her lightheartedness and her gratitude for life are what made her essence as a person.  Today, we said farewell to her.  She leaves an enormous void in our hearts.  Please hug your loved ones and tell them how much you love them as often as you can. 

In my cousins honor today, I would like to discuss grief.  Grief is the response we feel when we experience loss. Although there are many types of loss, the loss of a loved one is one of the biggest challenges we typically experience in our lives.  Coping with grief is never easy, but I’s important to remember that everyone grieves in their own way and at their own pace.  So don’t rush your feelings, give yourself time to process it. 

Since everyone grieves differently, people seek and need different coping tools or activities to cope with the process of grieving.

·      Some people seek the support of friends and family.  

·      Some seek professional help to talk about it.

·      Others prefer not to talk about it and choose to write their feelings down in a journal instead.

·      Some people seek creative outlets such as art, or music to express their feelings. 

·      Others engage in physical activities such as exercising, walking, hiking, doing yoga, swimming, and many others.  Physical activity, helps release endorphins which in turn, reduces stress and promotes overall emotional and mental health. 

·      Many seek to join a support group.

Above all, it is important to practice self-care and self-love as there is no right or wrong way to process your emotions.  Give yourself space and time to experience your emotions and feelings and seek support when you need it. 

So, remember to love yourself, be patient with yourself and allow yourself the time to grieve.