If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, can you relate to any of the following?

• You wake up at 3 a.m. with your mind racing and have trouble falling back asleep.
• You find yourself worrying about things that don’t usually bother you.
• You feel shaky, restless, and unsettled.
• You’re tired and unmotivated – but can’t pinpoint why you feel this way.
• You want to be alone more than usual.

Grief symptoms can come on quickly and without warning. One minute, you may be carrying on with life as usual, and the next, everything is turned upside down.

At Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers, we understand how painful loss can be, as many Lubbock families come to us for help following the death of their loved ones.

During time of stress, it’s more important than ever to focus on the good and choose to be grateful. Of course, you may not feel particularly grateful. You might even think, “I am having a really hard time and don’t have much to be thankful for right now!”

We understand. We also know this: Gratitude is one of the greatest healing tools available. In fact, there is not a single downside to expressing thanksgiving. Scientific studies have found that gratitude leads to healthier relationships, better sleep, lowered blood pressure, ability to cope with stress, and much more.

Even with the obvious health benefits, some people we’ve talked to say they don’t know where to start when it comes to expressing thanks. Here are a few ideas:

Whether you’re outside or inside, look for the following – and think about or write down what you find:

• Something that is your favorite color
• Something that smells amazing
• Something that makes a beautiful sound
• Something that makes you laughs
• Something that brings a happy memory to mind

Think about:

• Someone who makes you smile
• Someone you enjoy spending time with
• Someone you went on an adventure with
• Someone who listens well
• A childhood friendship that meant a lot to you

You can also build thankful moments into your day:

Before you get up in the morning. Spend a minute thinking through your day and what you have to be grateful for.

Before you eat. Take time to express gratitude for the food sitting in front of you. As you’re eating, slow down and savor your meal.

Before you go to bed. Think about the positive things that happened to you and anything you have to look forward to throughout the week. 

During this time, if you need help managing your feelings or setting expectations, we are here for you. With years of experience caring for families, we know the best grief specialists, resources, and support groups Lubbock has to offer. We are always available, so be sure to contact us for assistance.