A loved one’s passing is never easy. The emotional and logistical tasks that you have to handle when a loved one inevitably exits your life can be intimidating and difficult.
Here are some of the first things you should think about when dealing with tragedy.
Give Yourself Time to Grieve
Be gracious to yourself. You should not expect yourself to work in the same capacity that you normally can when you’re trying to grieve. This is a process that inevitably takes time. While that may not be the answer you want, it’s the reality for everyone that has to grieve.
So give yourself time and be patient. You should also find a space where you can express your pain and look for emotional or spiritual guidance. That might be with your trusted spiritual leader or simply with a good friend who won’t invalidate how you’re feeling.
Plan the Funeral
This can be one of the hardest steps. A funeral typically takes place very soon after the death, which means that funeral planning often is done amidst a lot of the emotional turmoil that grief brings. But it still has to be done. If you can, try to find friends or family members who can plan it with you. That will make it a lot easier–both logistically and emotionally.
It’s always better to delegate when you can instead of risking overloading yourself. If you’re in a situation where you have no one to turn to, you can simply do it yourself, or you can hire a funeral planner. The difference between a funeral and a memorial service is that funerals typically include a casket.
The Estate
It’s important to keep finances in mind. If you’re not careful, you could lose some of the more valuable assets that your loved one left behind. Ideally, you would have taken the necessary precautions before they passed away–drawing up a last will and testament with a lawyer who will ensure that it is legally binding. You can also set up a trust. You want to avoid issues with probate whenever possible. This step will not have the same urgency that the funeral does, but it will require your attention as soon as reasonably possible.
It very likely would be a good idea to talk to a therapist. A good therapist will have the professional tools and experience to help you process and heal from trauma. Make sure to balance personal time for healing with the necessary logistical work.
Did you enjoy reading this article? Here’s more to read. Practicing Mindfulness to Live a More Fulfilled Life