New Year’s Resolutions After Losing a Loved One

Written by: Rachel Martinez, Victim Services Coordinator

While many people start off the new year with resolutions to lose weight, exercise more, or spend less money, these resolutions might seem unimportant or daunting to those stepping into the new year without a loved one. Others might want to create a resolution in coping with their grief. Whatever is right for you, remember to be gentle with yourself and know there is no timeframe for when you “should” be done grieving.

Here are some ideas for new year’s resolutions following the death of a loved one.

• Be honest about how you feel to yourself and others.
• Get 20 minutes of fresh air or physical exercise a day.
• Start a project that memorializes your loved one. (Example: Create a memory book, memory box, or even memory board on Pinterest to remember your loved one).
• Start journaling on a regular basis.
• Stop saying “I’m fine” when it isn’t true.
• Attend a support group or spend time with people who make you feel well supported.

Whether or not you chose to make a resolution, take every day, every hour, ever moment, one step at a time in a way that works best for you and your grief process.