HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
This book is a “must read” for
those experiencing the grief and loss of a loved one. There is no easy path
through grief and loss, but a path of ups and downs — a few steps forward and a
few steps backward. It is intended to share what I learned to move through the
process of grief and loss, with tips for how you can, too. However, with
persistence, you can heal and successfully move through grief to the next chapter in your life.
This book contains stories of
personal successes and failures, organized into sections identifying specific
issues encountered during the grieving process. Quotes are included for each
section that add depth; added as well are a few poems — some of which are mine,
inspired by my own grief and loss.
There are self-help tips in each
section to provide you with useful information for coping and making it through
a tough day. Add a few of your own if your like. Whatever works for you is
good.
Worksheets provide concrete examples and a plan to stimulate you to
engage in the healing process.
Affirmations are included for each
section, a few words or a phrase that are positive statements that when said
may help you to engage the power of positive thinking. These positive
statements create a shift from the downward and inward emotions/feelings to the
upward and outward emotions/feelings. For example: a shift from despair to hope
by the power of words. Make a list of your own affirmations, even copying some
of these, to carry with you when you are feeling…not so positive.
I have also included a list of
resources for dealing with grief and loss, a sampling of what is available to
assist you in coping. A few of the resources are intended for health
professionals wishing to improve their skills in caring for those experiencing
loss.
As with any book, you can read it
from cover to cover at your own pace and then come back to a concept that resonates
with you. You could also read it a section at a time and contemplate how your
situation can be helped. However, I suggest you review the table of contents
and choose an item that speaks to a specific need you have at the moment and
use the tool, affirmation or other helpful suggestion that is included. Feel
free to write in your book, underline what is important to you, or dog-ear
pages to come back to.
This book was not written
overnight, but over many months that became a few years. It started out as a
journal, and as time went by, it turned into more. I wish that I had a resource
like this to help deal with the emotions and everything else that arose during
my own grieving process. Instead, I
learned by trial and error.
I hope reading this book brings
you a sense of shared experience during your grief, as well as bringing you
some comfort. Also, I want you to realize that there is hope for a future,
maybe not what you originally planned, but one that is fulfilling and joyful.
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With her permission, I will be serializing here nurse Cheryl Barrett's valuable book on transcending grief. I had the pleasure of being her coach and editor through my Write Your Book with Me enterprise.
Douglas Winslow Cooper, PhD
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