Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, life has gone on, albeit in a very different sense from which we are accustomed. Graduation celebrations happened without crowds, babies were born without the customary visits of excited family and friends. Loved ones died with obituaries that could not include the phrase “died surrounded by family.”
Grieving during a pandemic may have left you feeling like your personal grief was paused or even overshadowed by the collective community’s loss due to COVID-19. Now, as we are slowly emerging into the world “out there,” there are those among us ready to embrace this new world while others feel more cautious and unsure. Just like grief is a different experience for each person and changes over time, re-entry and resiliency does, too. Here are a few descriptive words to consider:
As both individuals and the community at large, we are constantly having to adjust to the massive change in how life is now lived on a daily basis. As you step into the next turn, consider what helps, what hurts, and how you will define your path’s strength and resilience. Reflect on the following questions either in a journal or out loud with a friend.
Keep this picture posted along with the qualities that you see as your strengths and resilience in a place where you can view it daily. It is resilience, the true strength, which will enable you to cope with it all.
Casey Dressel, LCSW-C, is a bereavement counselor and Roberta Rook, MA, LCPC, is the bereavement program coordinator for Chesapeake Life Center at Hospice of the Chesapeake. For details, visit www.chesapeakelifecenter.org or call 1-888-501-7077.
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