Compassionate Care Blog
ABF’s Chaplaincy Division is committed to serving families with integrity, kindness, and enthusiasm. With respect to diverse beliefs and values, our Chaplains will aim to provide support to all families in need. We pledge to uphold the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct and commit our way to helping families heal through compassionate care.
Navigating Feelings of Anxiety
Healthy Ways to Express Grief
There are many ways to survive grief and it is important to manage your sorrow in a healthy way. Healing after you have lost a loved one can feel like an overwhelming task. Activities like journaling, social interaction, crying, walking, or speaking with a counselor can be very supportive. Discovering the best form of grieving that allows you to safely express your feelings can help release contained emotions and reduce the burden of holding everything inside. Remember that honoring your bereavement period gives you permission to process your emotions fully, rather than suppressing them. So, give yourself the necessary time to honor the season you are in and remain committed to gracefully moving forward.
~ Linette Ransom and Chaplain Felicia Anderson
The Healing Power of Coloring
Regardless of your age, coloring can benefit you. It relieves different stressors that you may be experiencing and it provides a sense of accomplishment in what may feel like an overpowering season. Coloring is therapeutic, because it allows you to express your authentic emotions in a vibrant and creative way during moments of quiet respite. The repetitive hand motions can be soothing and meditative, helping to calm racing thoughts. Additionally, your color selections will help communicate your inner thoughts without words, creating a visual experience helping to process and release feelings that might be difficult to articulate. Through coloring, you can find moments of relief that may help you navigate the complexities of grief with a sense of calm and clarity.
Loneliness and Solitude
Loneliness and solitude are distinctly different, especially when it comes to emotional healing, social interactions, and preserving a healthy mindset. Loneliness is an emotional state where one feels disconnected and isolated, often craving social engagement. This can lead to harmful feelings and stress, hindering emotional healing. On the other hand, solitude is the state of being alone by choice, creating peaceful moments of self-reflection and personal growth. Finding a healthy balance between loneliness and solitude involves recognizing the value of both states while ensuring that neither becomes overwhelming or detrimental to your emotional well-being.
How Unresolved Grief Can Diminish Faith
Rumination, or constantly dwelling on the loss without healthy outlets of processing emotions, can extend grief and prevent healing. Avoidance of emotions or situations that remind you of loved ones can also obstruct your healing journey. Often, individuals immerse themselves in things that appear to be helpful but only provide temporary and not permanent relief. Unresolved hurt and prolonged grieving can erode your faith in things that once brought you solace. When you are deeply wounded, faith beliefs that previously provided comfort begin to lose their credibility and quickly turn into feelings of betrayal and disillusionment as the sorrow overshadows your thoughts. Be encouraged to address and process your unresolved emotions to rebuild your faith in the things that once brought you comfort and happiness.
Transforming Thoughts
While negative thoughts can highlight areas in our lives that need improvement, dwelling on negativity can also lead to increased stress, anxiety, and create distorted views of reality. Cognitive reframing can help us view situations more positively. For example, instead of feeling consumed by sorrow, you can schedule time to cherish precious memories. Scheduling time for happiness while grieving might seem challenging, but it is a genuine and beneficial investment. Allowing yourself moments of joy can provide a much-needed respite from your pain and help you maintain a sense of balance. It does not mean you are forgetting your loss; rather, it is a way to honor your emotions and give yourself permission to experience moments of love, light, and happiness. By consciously combining small joys into your life, you are supporting your emotional well-being.