Grief Of A Parent And Loss Quotes

“Talk Out Loud Choose a time when you’re alone at home. Sit on a chair and imagine the deceased is sitting opposite you. Speak openly and freely about everything that has happened. The incident, the cause of your pain, the reason you can’t seem to forgive, and how it affected your relationship with that person. When you talk it out loud, you’re releasing the energy of anger, pain, and frustration into the universe. Now that the person has passed away, you don’t need to hold onto the pain. I understand that certain situations require a great deal of bravery to forgive. You might have gone through physical or sexual abuse, which, in no means, is easy to get over. But remember that holding on to abuse is giving more power to the offender. Suffering only empowers the abuser. Let out all your frustration to take your power back and move on to a beautiful and happier life.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“To help you get started, I've mentioned a few prompts below: I’m writing in this journal because… I find the most comfort in... My admiration for you comes from... Reasons why you loved them Your favorite qualities about them Some of the ways I practice physical self-care are… Some of the ways I practice emotional self-care are… Some of the ways I practice social self-care are… Some of the ways I practice spiritual self-care are… These are some activities that keep me distracted... My current way of coping is… I cry when I remember… I smile when I remember… My current support system is... I’m thankful for... I honor you by... Today, I feel like… I really miss… Dealing with this is really hard because… I face difficulty in... Lately, I feel like… Every time I think about you… Losing you changed me... I could have some more of… Together we could have done… Our last interaction was when… My grief feels like… I choose to remember you because... One of my favorite memories is when… I always remember you when I see/hear/smell… I have grown a lot since you left us… I find it difficult to cope because… People have been saying… Being a part of your life was an opportunity for me because… I wish I could have told you this… It’s time for me to move on but you’ll always be in my heart...”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“It takes months of talking to yourself, which you already do (even though you’re unaware of it) and picturing accurately what you want from your life. Your subconscious mind will take in everything that you say, show, or do. It doesn’t have the power to recognize and reject anything good or bad. The words, actions, and feelings that you focus on will amplify in your life. So, you need to start by promising yourself that you will not pay attention to any thought or action that doesn’t deserve it. Talking to yourself is the thought that runs in your mind. You need to change the narrative. Initially, it might feel wrong, or fake. You find it difficult to identify or relate to any kind of positivity. But as you start talking to yourself with more kindness, patience, and empathy, your narrative will start going in a more positive direction.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“You cannot change the fact that someone you deeply loved has passed away, but you need to shift your focus from their death to the memories you have with them and the memories that you can make in your present and future. Life doesn’t stop for anyone, and this doesn’t imply that you forget them.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“Even if you can’t go outside, just look at the sky from your window. Being in nature is so effortless. Just looking at the clouds in the sky, watching the water in a river or ocean, hearing the birds chirp, or feeling the grass under your feet. Nature draws us in without asking for anything in return. There’s nothing to do except you effortlessly watch, feel, and observe everything around you.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“When you go outdoors, you’re constantly on your phone updating your social media, clicking pictures, navigating roads, replying to an email, tweeting something, meeting deadlines, or listening to music. Without your phone, you feel handicapped. When we experience a major loss, it’s important to go back to the basics. Nature can help you heal in ways you didn’t think you could. It doesn’t have to be the Himalayas or deep in some woods. Even the park next to you or your backyard can make you feel more connected”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“Consider taking a break for yourself. To rest and rejuvenate. Make your schedule slow and include some small breaks in it. Sit and enjoy your favorite music, go for a walk, or just watch your favorite movie. Address your inner critic or judgments who shame you for crying too much or not enough. Quit calling yourself names for not doing enough. You have these completely unrealistic expectations out of yourself that no sane man can match up to. Grieving takes up a lot of your energy so don’t burden yourself with expectations. You’re trying your best and that’s an achievement in itself. You’re not a wimp or a loser for not checking off everything on your to-do list. Pause and listen to these noises in your head. Drop constantly putting yourself down and just be and feel grief for as long as you can. Embracing vulnerability, anxiousness, and irritability is normal for someone who’s experiencing separation or loss. Be tender so you can understand your needs and requirements during this phase of hardships. It’s a part of you so there’s no need to hide or tuck it away.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“Another form of letting out your angry emotions can be writing a letter. Remove all your anger, say all that you want to say, and just put out any words that come to mind. It doesn’t have to make sense to you or anyone else as long as it’s serving its purpose. Even though you’re performing your daily tasks, you’re unable to live in the moment. You’re doing what you have to do, but you’re struggling to do it with complete conviction which is normal. Even though you need to keep your calm for others, you can find healthy ways to cope with your anger. Don’t neglect yourself for others' needs. You need the same support as others. So, make space for yourself and take care of your own emotional needs. There’s no restriction on how you can or should express your feelings. Even crying out of anger is a reasonable solution.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“While you’re trying to meet someone’s requirements, you tend to forget your own. In such times, you unknowingly repress your emotions. You know you can’t afford to look weak. In such cases, even though you aren’t expressing your feelings, it might show in the smallest of ways. Anything small can put you off. You’re lashing out on the smallest of inconveniences. You’re more short-tempered than usual. You’re bound to scream at the smallest of things just because you don’t have another emotional outlet. If you want to scream, it’s okay. Shout or yell at the heavens for taking someone away from you. Just make sure you’re screaming at home or in a car and not at somebody else. Make a safe space.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“If you find that releasing your grief through art helps you, consider writing or drawing your emotions to your parents. Let them know that you're sad, angry, or confused. If you’re in shock, disbelief, or denial. Doing this can serve as a good emotional outlet, make you feel lighter and give you mental clarity and closure about your parents’ death.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“Practice something that you’re good at and makes you happy. Immerse your skills and abilities into something that you’re truly passionate about. It could be dancing, writing, painting, traveling, gardening—or even something as simple as going for a walk with your headphones on or walking your dog. It’s a distraction that will help you get in the flow and live in the present moment. It will help you get out of your mind and focus on something that you already love. Creativity can be another good outlet for your emotions. Adult coloring books, knitting, journaling, drawing—all of these activities, as well as others, can make you more resilient and increase your sense of well-being.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“There are multiple ways in which you can keep your loved ones connected, even if they are dead. You can keep a journal where you write all your happy memories with that person. You can write letters telling them about everything going on in your life (even if you know you can’t send it). Make an album of all their photos. Carry a small picture of them in your wallet. Keep a small piece of jewelry that they owned with you at all times. You can visit their favorite places, watch their favorite movie, or eat their favorite food. It’s the small things that can make you feel connected even after losing them.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“In the beginning, it might look impossible, but as days go by, the intensity of your grief will reduce, and you’ll wake up feeling better than last night. It’s small things like waking up feeling lighter and happier in the morning that will determine your progress. Over time, you’ll notice a major difference in yourself.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“Instead of thinking about how I didn’t get to spend enough time with your parents. Think about all the happy times you’ve already spent with them and be grateful for it. For the longest time, I felt angry that my mother wasn’t around during my teen years. Eventually, I started realizing that wallowing in self-pity was not going to get me anywhere. Instead, I should celebrate the life that my mother lived. I was grateful to have had her for 14 years of my life. We always feel like we didn’t get enough time, or that she passed away too soon. But self-pity and thankfulness are two sides of the same coin. Choosing thankfulness can influence you in positive ways, whereas the prior will only cause you harm and destruction.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“We remain children for as long as our parents are alive. We always see them as invincible people. They are always standing by your side, protecting and guiding you. Their death completely changes our perspective on life, and everything involved in it. Regardless of our age, we will suffer from grief, and there’s no escaping it. You struggle with feeling like an orphan. You feel like you have lost direction and now you’re left completely bare, trying to figure out how to do life. The death of a parent can reposition your mental and physical space. You’re now at the forefront of life without any protection. You need to learn different ways to figure out your problem. You can have a few people assisting you, but nothing can be compared to the support of a parent.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“The death of my mother left a deep hole within my heart. No one else can fill that hole in my heart. The love of a mother can't be replaced by a father, friend, or lover.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“The very first relationship of our life is with our parents. It’s the most deeply ingrained relationship in our minds. They act as a confidant, supporter, and an anchor for a majority of our lifetime. The death of my mother felt like the death of warmth, love, and nurture. Initially, it won’t make much sense, but eventually, as you go through different emotional stages, you start making sense of what has happened and the way you want to move on.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“Self-motivation is the key to moving on from grief. You need to have strong intent and challenge all the beliefs that are stopping you from moving on. You cannot change the fact that someone you deeply loved has passed away, but you need to shift your focus from their death to the memories you have with them and the memories that you can make in your present and future. Life doesn’t stop for anyone, and this doesn’t imply that you forget them. Remember them in times of need and keep them close to your heart as you move on with your journey.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“Pick a cause that was personal to her and make a difference in the world. It’s a great way to honor her memory and leave a mark on this world on her behalf. It doesn’t have to be any huge event, even something as small as feeding stray animals can give you a sense of closeness with her. Take care of things that mattered the most to her. Did she have any plants that she loved or a pet that she looked after? You bring that pet over to your house and look after it.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“You can find meaning in the smallest of things. Remember the traditions she used to love and keep them alive. Name family traditions in her honor. You can make a journal of all her happy memories with you or an album of family pictures. You can have a little collection of something that she owned, like a specific pin, which you can keep with you. These things might look small or difficult initially, but eventually, they will bring you a sense of peace. You can use her favorite ring as a necklace, so you never have to feel her absence. She’s always with you.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“You’re now re-entering your reality. It’s a part of your life. You learn new ways to live your current reality. You start molding and adjusting to your new life. You try to live in this new norm where you’re okay with missing the deceased one. You might try to resist and not accept the new norm. But eventually, through bits and pieces, you start accepting. You come to terms with the fact that your loved one is not going to come back. You cannot maintain your past life, but you start learning and growing in this new life where you move forward along with your deceased one in your mind, heart, and soul.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“Get as much sleep as you can. Staying up late at night to overthink your past or future will not benefit you in your present. Making up different scenarios in your head to rectify what’s already done will not change anything or bring your parents back. Instead, try meditation or exercising. Put together a sleepy time playlist or have some warm tea to help put yourself to sleep.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“So, share the beautiful memories that you created with your parents. Talk to your family members about what a loving and joyous mother or father you had. Tell your children about their grandmother or grandfather. Keep her alive in your memories and heart through conversations. It might be painful to reminisce her memories initially, but with time, it will only bring a smile to your face. The pain will slowly start to fade as you realize that remembering her is one of the ways to keep her next to you as you move forward with life.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“In best-case scenarios, the loss of a parent can be anticipated. Perhaps they had a known or chronic illness that slowly deteriorated their health over time. Perhaps their healthcare provider had told you a proposed time limit that your parents had left. Perhaps you’d had discussions with your parents in their last days and had had the opportunity to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. In cases like these, you’re given the chance to say goodbye and have closure.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“You have to adjust to a new sense of normal. A new way of living. You’ll have to start filling in the role your parents left vacant. For instance, taking care of yourself when you’re sick if your mother passes away, or learning how to do your own taxes if you’ve lost your father.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“Previously, you had your parents to shield you from anything that happens. But now you’re no longer in this shield created by your parents. You need to face the world and your life as it comes.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent

“Losing a parent as a kid or as an adult can be equally difficult. You could be three or 30 years old, yet the intensity of the impact doesn’t change. Even as adults, we are hardwired to depend on our parents for certain emotional and materialistic needs. We are aware that the death of our parents is inevitable, yet it’s one of the most painful experiences a human has to suffer through. You expect your parents to attend and support every milestone of your life—graduation, marriage, kids, and eventually retirement. The absence of their support at each milestone can leave an extreme feeling of emptiness within you. Their support and guidance are critical.”
― Cortez Ranieri, Grief Of A Parent And Loss: Navigating And Coping With Grief After The Death Of A Parent