When I think of my mum, I think I’m one of the luckiest humans on the planet. To me, she was the real deal. Superwoman. She was one of the strongest, bravest, kind-hearted, funny (in her model of the world!) and loving people I’ve ever met.
Sure, we went through all the usual mother-daughter trials and tribulations with the fun teenage years and family dynamics. At the end of the day we shared a bond stronger than I’ve ever known. Sadly, I lost my mum suddenly in early 2009 when I was pregnant with my twins. At the time, I couldn’t imagine living without her. The heartbreak and pain I felt was indescribable. I honestly thought my life was also over. How could I possibly survive without her?
Fast-forward to the present day and I am living my life with more determination, zest and passion than I ever did in the past. I thank her every day for teaching me the ways of the world and how to follow my dreams. Most of all, I thank her for the love she gave me which cannot be measured by time or space. It is never ending and I know she is with me watching over us as we grow and evolve.
I couldn’t write this if I hadn’t sought the right help along the way and did the hard work. The combination of Hypnotherapy and Energy Healing helped me immensely through this time and I allowed myself time to process and adapt to living without her physically in my life. Do I still miss her and wish I could pick up the phone to ask her a silly question? Sure, and I acknowledge that the urge will always be there however I have learned to adapt.
My mum would have celebrated her 65th birthday this month and I’m celebrating for her with so much love and happiness in my heart. Happy Birthday Mum, love you to the moon and back! (This is one of my favourite pictures of my mum and I sitting on the hill at Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast).
While there is certainly no expectation that you will ‘get over the loss’, there are certainly ways to overcome the sense of loss gradually.
If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, feel free to share this blog post; let them know they are not alone and that there is help available.
We are all individual and there are no right or wrong ways to grieve. Below are some tips that may be helpful:
Check In:
If you have a friend or family member grieving, check in with them regularly and encourage them to share what they are feeling. Sometimes a conversation can lift someone’s mood and energy, knowing they have support around them.
Seek Support:
You may feel like being alone, however it is important to have a support system in place because you will no doubt need them. Family, friends, therapists who can offer you the emotional support you may need.
Be gentle with yourself:
It may take time before you can return to your routines and responsibilities. Be gentle with yourself and allow time for adapting and processing. The more you can give yourself this time with kindness, you may feel more at ease. There is no time limit on your grief.
“Grief only exists where love lived first.”
Franchesca Cox