Expert Advice

By Lynn Lewis

Loss and grief make their way into each of our lives; it’s an inevitable part of life. While you have no control over when, where and how grief will show up, you do have a choice about how to respond to it. One response is to practice self-love. With time and effort, self-love can become an integral part of your journey.

Navigating grief is a personal journey often accompanied by a myriad of emotions. The thought of practicing self-love during this time may seem daunting, but it is an essential tool for healing and growth. Before delving into some practical ways to integrate self-love into your grief journey, let’s pause to explore the concepts of self-love, loss and grief.

Understanding self-love, loss and grief

Self-love is you making a conscious decision to prioritize your own well-being, unapologetically. It is learning to care for yourself holistically – emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually and financially. Self-love is not selfish nor is it an excuse for immoral behavior. It is a process of discovery and practice, which can profoundly benefit your grief journey. As Merilu Hill stated in her book Reprogram Your Mind – A Guide to Self-Love, “self-love instills resilience and power in you when life throws challenges your way.”