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A Difficult, Insightful Journey
You’ve lost a loved one, someone very dear to you. Please accept our condolences. No words can alleviate your pain, but we’re here to help you through the first 30 days of your grief. You’re more resilient than you think: Though you may never cease to feel the loss of your loved one, you can emerge from your grief a stronger person with positive memories to cherish.
There is no right or wrong way to grieve. In addition to great pain and sadness, you may experience some indecisiveness, guilt and fear. Even those who consider themselves level-headed and composed may feel lost and confused about what they can, need or want to do during the grieving process.
However, you can also expect the support of those who love you, fond memories of the one you lost and a sense of gratitude for having known your loved one while he or she was living.
Grief is a very personal journey that’s full of so many emotions, thoughts and realities—each as unique as each individual. Only you will know what’s right for you. The First30Days community will be here to share information on how to navigate the fog of shock; show new ways to lean on the friends and family around you; provide practical tips on taking care of yourself during this time; and impart inspiration to help you move forward.
Take time for yourself today: Take emotional stock and decide what you’re ready or not ready to do. Your feelings may change from day to day, and that’s natural. Most importantly, be kind to yourself and acknowledge your emotions.
Dear Ariane:
I attended your workshop at the Women's conference on Monday knowing that on Tuesday, my sweet and loving dog's life would come to an end. He was suffering from cancer and we had a difficult decision to make to end his suffering. After the conference, one of the first things I did was go to your website to seek advice on grieving for a loved one. I know losing a pet does not equal the loss of a parent or child, but I still miss him just as much, and it hurts that he is no longer with us. Little did I know that I would use the lessons I learned at the conference so quickly. I truly am an Architect of Change. Thank you Ariane for your website and good advice.
I lost my dad on May 4th. and I still can't get over it, I feel lost and I can't beleive I won't see him again. He died here at home and I can't get that image out of my mind, seeing him suffer, hearing him suffer, looking at him dead and taking him away... it's just too hard, I feel lost and I don't know how to deal with this yet... but at least I'm not crying that much.
I feel a bit misplaced right now, a neighbor friend of mine passed on this week. She has been ill for a while. I don't know why I feel so froze up. I mean I just cannot beleive she is gone.
I feel so bad for her family, her husband, and her children. and grandchildren. They all reside in the same home and were very close.
I just wish I could funtion and I can't. Its been about 10 days.