Healing after loss: Practical steps for navigating grief
Grief is a deeply personal journey, and healing doesn’t happen all at once. After the loss of a loved one—especially in the context of medical assistance in dying (MAID)—the emotional terrain can feel unpredictable, overwhelming, and isolating. While there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for grieving, small, intentional steps each day can support your healing process.
Whether you’re navigating anticipatory grief, caring for someone through MAID, or adjusting to life after loss, here are practical, daily actions that can gently support your emotional well-being.
1. Allow yourself to feel, without judgment
Grief isn’t linear. Some days you may feel numb; other days, tears may come without warning. Give yourself permission to feel your emotions—whatever they are—without labeling them as “right” or “wrong.” Simply acknowledging your pain is a healing act in itself.
Daily action: Take 5 minutes in the morning to check in with yourself. Ask: How do I feel right now? Name the emotion. Breathe through it.
2. Create a simple daily routine
Loss often disrupts the structure of everyday life. Establishing a gentle routine can offer a sense of control and stability during uncertain times. Start with basics: wake up, eat, rest, move your body, and get outside when possible.
Daily action: Choose one grounding activity to anchor your day, like making your bed, going for a short walk, or brewing your favorite tea.
3. Talk about your grief
You don’t have to grieve alone. Speaking your truth, whether with a friend, counsellor, support group, or someone who’s been through MAID, can be incredibly cathartic. Even one short conversation can lift some emotional weight.
Daily action: Reach out to one trusted person, even just to say, “I’m thinking about them today.”
4. Write it out
Journaling gives grief a place to land. It can help you process complex emotions, reflect on memories, or explore thoughts you may not feel ready to say aloud.
Daily action: Write one sentence a day about your loved one, your emotions, or a moment of gratitude.
5. Practice gentle movement
Your body holds grief, too. Light movement like yoga, stretching, or walking can help release tension and reconnect you with your physical self.
Daily action: Move your body for 10 minutes. No pressure. Just presence.
6. Create small rituals of remembrance
Rituals offer comfort and connection. Lighting a candle, playing a meaningful song, or setting out a photo can help you honour your loved one’s memory in a personal and ongoing way.
Daily action: Choose one small daily ritual that helps you feel close to your loved one.
7. Limit overwhelm
Grief can magnify stress and make simple tasks feel exhausting. Practice saying no, setting boundaries, and lowering expectations, both for yourself and others.
Daily action: Ask yourself, What’s one thing I can let go of today? Then let it go.
8. Seek meaningful support
Everyone deserves compassionate grief support. If your loved one’s death was through MAID, your grief may come with additional complexities. MAID Family Support Society offers resources and peer support designed to help you navigate these unique experiences with care and understanding.
Daily action: Explore our free services, including connection to trained peer supporters who understand what you’re going through.
A final word: Healing happens in moments
Grief doesn’t have a finish line. But with patience, self-compassion, and supportive community, you can begin to rebuild a life that carries the memory of your loved one forward.
You don’t have to walk this path alone.
We are here for you, one small step at a time.
If you or someone you love is grieving the loss of someone who chose MAID, please reach out. Healing begins with connection.
