Funerallink Blogs

Category: How to Let Go

Valentine’s Day Without Them: Memorial Ideas
Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a time of joy and a celebration of love. But for others, it only brings sadness and even more grief.

Unfortunately, grief is unavoidable and can be overwhelming for many people. The emotions are intensified during this period. It is important to understand this to help you cope and find ways to make them more manageable.

Here are some ideas on how to keep their memory alive and celebrate your love even after they have passed away.
- Write them a letter.
It can be difficult for you after you have lost a spouse. Expressing your feelings of grief and sadness would be hard while others are celebrating their love. You can write your thoughts and feelings in a safe, private space. It gives you the opportunity to process your emotions in an honest and meaningful way.

Write a love story for your late spouse. It is your love letter to them.
- Invite friends or family to celebrate with you.
Choosing to be isolated during this day is totally fine. However, hosting an intimate gathering of family and friends can provide you with the love and support you need to cope. It is probably what everyone needs after the loss. This small gathering will be an opportunity to remember a loved one, share stories, and celebrate their life.

Surrounding yourself with family and friends on Valentine’s Day will provide you comfort during a difficult time.
- Bring flowers to their grave.
If you have lost a loved one recently, visiting their grave site is hard and can bring back strong emotions. But it also can help you accept and move on. By visiting them, you are also reminded of our mortality and how important it is to cherish the memories of those we have lost.

Flowers are a beautiful way to remember those who have passed away. They are the expression of love and appreciation for the life of the person we have lost; a tangible reminder of one’s life and a great way to honor their memory.
- Light a candle.
While Valentine’s Day is a day of joy and celebration, it can be a time of sadness if you cannot be with your loved one. Lighting a candle can somehow make you feel their presence on this special day. But be aware that it will bring back sad emotions.

The light of the candle represents your loved one’s presence with you on Valentine’s Day. After lighting the candle, close your eyes, breathe and imagine them being with you. This simple act will you feel connected to them even if they are not with you physically.
- Give back to honor them.
By giving back on Valentine’s Day, you can remember your dearly beloved in a meaningful way. You can share your love with others in their memory. You can use this day as an opportunity to make a positive difference in someone’s life. This is one of the most beautiful ways to remember those you have lost and keep their spirit alive.

You can choose a charity or an organization that you know your loved one would have supported if they were still alive. Volunteer if you have the time or make donations to honor them.

This Valentine’s Day, give yourself some space. Relax and take care of yourself. Your deceased loved one would have wanted you to be happy and live your life. Take some time of the day to do something that brings you joy, whether it’s reading a book or taking a walk. Let your loved one’s spirit guide you as you honor their memory on February 14.
February 5, 2023
Grief & Loss: How To Check In On Someone Who Is Grieving
Some people might not want to talk about their problems, but it’s worth reaching out to let them know that you are there for them. It’s always important to check in on friends and family members when they are going through a difficult time.

If you’re wondering about how someone is doing and want to show that you care, these tips can help you.
- Ensure you are calm and relaxed
Checking in with someone is a very important part of the process. It is a way for you to make sure that they are not alone in their grief.

However, it can be hard to find the right time to do this. You don’t want to check in when emotions are running high. They might not be able to think straight. So instead, try and find a calm moment when emotions are low and then check in with them about what is going on.
- Start a small talk
We often find ourselves in the position of wanting to support our friends and loved ones, but not knowing how. It can be difficult to know what to say or do when someone is going through something tough. You can start a conversation like:

“It’s been a while. I am just wondering how you are doing. When you are free, let’s catch up!”

“It has been a year. How are you holding up?”

“How have you been doing, really? Things become so overwhelming sometimes – do you feel the same?”
- Give them time to talk, simply listen to what they say
Listening attentively can be a great way of showing that you care about someone and their thoughts. It is also a good way of learning more about the person you are listening to.

It is difficult for some people to express themselves in a way that can be understood by others. They might have difficulty articulating their thoughts and feelings about a certain topic or a situation so you have to be patient and understanding.
- Don’t make any assumptions
It is important to work as a team because it will make the process more efficient. You should ask what they need before trying to solve their problems.

It is best to avoid using medical terms or diagnoses unless they’re diagnosed by a professional and they’re comfortable talking about it. These words can be triggering for some people. Instead, allow them to talk about their specific experience or emotions. You can also share some of your own experience to let them know that if you were able to get through it, they can too!
December 17, 2022
Coping With The New Year After Losing a Loved One
Coping with the memories of a loved one can be difficult at the best of times. It can be especially hard when you’ve lost someone recently.

It is important to remember that you are not alone in this. Grief is a natural human response to loss and it is normal for it to take time to get through the grieving process. The New Year is a time when people are typically looking for resolutions to their problems, and the desire to be kinder to themselves is no exception. This can be hard for those who have lost loved ones recently.

These are some tips that may help you make grief a little easier to cope with at New Year:
- Do what feels right for you
We live in a time where we have to be constantly connected. It is not a bad thing, but it can be exhausting. Some people need time to themselves to recharge their batteries and get back on their feet.

It is important that you take care of yourself and do what feels best for you. If it feels right for you to have a quiet night at home with the TV, then that is totally fine.
- Don’t overthink what could possibly happen next
It can be hard to not think about the memories you shared with them and how they impacted your life. But instead of living in the past, try to focus on what is happening in front of you.

We should take a moment to remember their contributions and celebrate their lives by acknowledging what they have done for us.
- Be with the people who understand your grief
The best way to get through grief is to be around people who care about you. It can also be helpful for you to talk about your feelings and memories with others who are going through the same thing.

Do not isolate yourself from people during this difficult time.

The New Year can be a difficult time of the year for those who are grieving. For some, the New Year triggers memories of past celebrations that they enjoyed with their loved ones. For others, it is a reminder that their loved ones will no longer be there to enjoy the upcoming festivities.

It’s important to take care of ourselves during this season and not let our grief get in the way of enjoying this holiday season with friends and family members.
December 11, 2022
Grief & Loss: Understanding and Talking About Your Feelings
Coping with a loss is different for everyone and there are no “right” or “wrong” ways to do it. What works for one person may not work for another person, so take time to explore your options before deciding on what will work best for you.

It’s natural for people who are grieving to feel ashamed or guilty when they talk about their feelings. They might think that people won’t understand what they’re feeling or that other people will judge them for how they are feeling.

Grief is a very personal and difficult experience. People go through different stages of the process, and in order to get through it, they need to be able to talk about it.

Here are some simple tips you can do to understand and talk about your feelings when grieving:
- Know how to name your emotions
We often notice how we feel in certain situations or when we are in a certain mood. But sometimes, it can be hard to put your finger on what exactly is making you feel a certain way. Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or sad?

Keeping a journal is a great way to express your thoughts and feelings. It is a way to express yourself and help you process your feelings and get them out of your system. Journaling is a way to make sense of the world.
- Talk about your feelings
Talking about your feelings with someone you trust can be a helpful way to process and understand your emotions. You may find it can help to put things into perspective.
- Learn how to use “I”
When we speak of emotions, it is often difficult to put into words how we are feeling. It is easy to come up with an answer that seems like it should be the right one, but in reality it can feel very forced and unnatural. It can be tempting to try to guess what someone else might be feeling, but that is not a good idea. When trying to explain our own emotions, it is best to focus on our own experiences and feelings rather than trying to understand how someone else might feel.

Try saying “I feel” without having to explain it. It helps others understand what you are going through, and it also helps you understand your own feelings better.
- Pause and breathe
When the conversation is not going well, it is important to pause or take a break. This will help you to calm down and manage your emotions.

We can take a few slow breaths, wait until we feel calmer, and then continue the conversation.
- Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help
It’s important to remember that asking for help is a sign of strength and not weakness. This can be helpful if you want others to know how you want them to react or support you.

When asking for help, it is important not to make it seem like a sign of weakness. It is important to be open and honest about what you are trying to accomplish and why you need the help.
October 16, 2022
Depression: After Losing a Loved One And What You Should Know
Depression is a mental illness that affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, loneliness, or hopelessness. It can be treated with psychotherapy and medications.

To be diagnosed with depression, a person must experience the following symptoms for at least two weeks:
- Feeling sad or irritable most of the time
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Feeling guilty about oneself or one’s future
- Trouble concentrating on things
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Appetite changes (either increased appetite or weight loss)
Don’t be sorry or feel bad about having depression.

There are many misconceptions about depression that make it difficult for people to seek help when they need it most. Some people may think depression is a sign of weakness or a personality flaw and not be willing to get treatment for it. Others might believe that they can overcome their depression on their own without treatment because they know how to “fix” themselves.

It’s important to understand the symptoms of depression and how it affects you as an individual. There are many different ways of treating depression such as therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and more. You deserve to be happy and healthy, so don’t feel bad about having depression!

Reach out to a family member or trusted friend.

Depression isn’t something that should be ignored, instead, it should be talked about. It is an illness that can be treated with therapy and medication.

If you’re experiencing depression, don’t hesitate to reach out for help and support.

Consult a professional.

Depression is treatable with therapy or medication. If you have depression, it is important to get treatment because it can lead to other problems like anxiety, alcohol and substance abuse, and suicide.

The best place to start is to seek help from your local healthcare worker or doctor. They will be able to diagnose you and provide treatment options for your depression.

Join activities you enjoy and connect with people.

When you are sick or feeling unwell, it is easy to let your family and friends slip away. You might not be able to go out and do the things that you used to enjoy when you were good. It is important to make an effort to stay in contact with them. They can help keep you up-to-date on what is happening in your life and remind you of the things that are important.

You should also try to keep up with activities that you used to enjoy when you were good. It might not be as much fun as usual, but it will still make a difference in your mental health.

Keep tabs on your overall health.

Regular exercise has been shown to promote a variety of health benefits such as weight loss, improved heart health, and reduced risk of diabetes. It also promotes better sleep quality. Sleep is crucial for a healthy body; it helps the body repair itself from the day’s stresses while also preventing chronic diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Document your emotions and thoughts.

Keeping a journal is an excellent way to stay on top of your mental health. Journaling has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep, and even help with depression. You can also keep track of things that you’re grateful for in your life or any other positive thoughts that come up throughout the day.

This is a great way to get into a positive mindset. It’s also a good practice for mindfulness.

There are many factors that contribute to the stigma that surrounds depression in the Philippines. One of these factors is the lack of awareness about mental health and depression. It may not be openly talked about as an illness in the Philippines, but it is still a reality for many Filipinos. However, non-profit organizations like Kauban will help you with your mental health.

Coping with the death of a loved one can be an overwhelming experience. It is not easy to accept the reality of their passing and it takes time to get back on your feet. You will go through a series of stages as you process your grief and move on with your life.

The five stages of grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The process that you go through depends on how close you were to the person who passed away and how much they meant to you.

When things are too difficult for you, know that you are not alone and talk to a trusted person or seek professional help if there’s a need.
September 11, 2022
8 Tips to Cope with Loss During the Holiday Season

Grief is a natural process of healing that can help people to cope with loss. But it can also be a difficult and painful process.

It’s hard to be in the holiday spirit when you’re dealing with the death of someone close to you. The holidays can be especially difficult if it’s your first Christmas without them, or if you’ve lost someone who was a big part of your family. It may seem as if it is hard to move past the pain and sadness, but there are ways to make it easier.

It is important to know that you are not alone in your feelings and that there are many resources available to help you get through this difficult time.

Here are some tips that may help you or someone you know who is grieving during the holiday season:

It is important to set boundaries with holiday events.

It can be hard to say no when you are invited to a party or an office holiday event. However, it is important not to overcommit yourself and spend too much time away from your family.

A good way to set boundaries with holiday events is by saying ‘yes’ only if you are 100% sure that you can make it. Should you feel like not joining any parties? You know yourself more and decline invitations politely.

Allow yourself to feel the grief and the pain of losing a loved one.

Sometimes you have to stop and give yourself time. Grieve what feels good to grieve, don’t wear it feels exhaustive, and listen to your heart when it’s ready to move forward. And know that it’s okay – because grief is a part of life, not something we should hide or shy away from but rather accept as the season of life for which it is.

Do not overthink. Breathe and plan ahead.

The loss of a loved one can be hard for anyone. But it can also mean that certain roles will need to be filled. In the case of a death, the deceased individual’s spouse may take on many of the responsibilities and roles that were once fulfilled by the deceased.

The key is to not just focus on the event itself, but also on the events that will precede and follow it. This way, you can be prepared for anything and everything that might happen. Planning ahead will also give you a sense of relief because you know that you are ready for whatever life throws your way.

Honor traditions, and cherish the memories

There are many reasons why people choose to honor the deceased traditions that existed in their culture. Many cultures have rituals and ceremonies that are meant to help the living deal with grief and loss. These can be a great way for family and friends to find comfort in the wake of death.

The idea is that these traditions provide a sense of continuity, which helps them cope with their loss.

Create new traditions and memories

When someone dies, it can be difficult for those who are left behind to find ways to cope with the loss. One way that people have found to cope with this is by creating new traditions for themselves. It does not erase old memories of the person who has died, but it can help people move on and heal.

Find a grief coping strategy

The holiday season is a stressful event for many people. Here are some ideas that might help you cope with your grief:

– Spending time with loved ones

– Getting enough sleep

– Taking care of yourself physically and mentally

Honor your loved one by volunteering

A study showed that many people volunteer not only to help others, but also, to make themselves feel good. They said it is good for the soul. That being said, volunteering at an organization that was meaningful to your deceased loved one can greatly help you feel a little bit better.

Don’t forget to ask for help

The holidays are a time for celebration and joy. Yet, this time of year can also be difficult for many people. If you have lost someone close to you, the holidays can bring up many complicated feelings. It is important to reach out to others who understand what you’re going through and know how to support you.

If you have lost someone close to you this holiday season, it is important to remember that they are always with you in spirit and that they would want you to be happy and healthy during this time of the year.

Some people may find themselves feeling lonely and isolated during this time, while others may feel overwhelmed by the number of expectations that come with being a part of the festivities. There are also those who want to avoid the holiday season altogether because it brings back memories from previous years or because they don’t have any family or friends to share in the celebrations with them.

Whatever your feelings are about this time of year, you deserve to be able to celebrate in whatever way feels best for you.

August 21, 2022
Why Saying Goodbye to Someone Who Is Dying is Important

Funerals and memorial services are important to the grieving process. They serve as a time for people who have lost someone close to them to come together and remember their loved ones. These events also provide a time for family members and friends to show their support, love, and care for one another.

When it comes to saying goodbye, most adults find it difficult. You might be scared, and do not want to be too emotional in front of the dying person. It is totally fine to cry and show your emotions.

Here’s why you have to make time to say goodbye to a loved one who is dying:

You won’t regret not saying the things you wish you said to them.

It’s easier to put off an uncomfortable conversation than it is to actually have it. However, with a dying family member or friend, it has to happen. A dying person simply wants to know how much you love them and that you will be alright when they are gone. This is also the time to say sorry and that you have forgiven them if they hurt you.

It’s comforting to console someone who is dying.

Some people are worried to leave the world. They need assurance that you will be okay and the people they care about. Talking about what will happen after their demise can give them peace of mind and comfort. It is also a kind of giving them permission to leave when they are ready.

Know their last wishes.

Take some time to listen to them. You do not have to say or try to stop them from talking. Simply follow their lead and listen. Allow them to express their thoughts and talk about their last wishes.

Know that you are not alone in the process.

You are not alone in the process. Be with your family and closest friends; when visiting a dying person, you might have the opportunity to meet their friends too. You can connect with them and each other to move on.

Spend the last moment with them.

The time might be nearing an end, but do not stop yourself from spending those precious moments with a loved one. It is never too late to create happy moments. Know that they will leave the world physically, but they are with you, in your heart, forever!

Easier for you to let go and move on.

Being with them during their last days allows you to accept that they will soon be gone. You have already started the process of grieving. Knowing their last wishes and you, on the other hand, have said the things you would like to tell them, moving on would be a little bit easier.

Saying goodbye to the person so dear to you is the most painful thing to do. However, some people hold on until they are certain that you will be all right. Reassured and give your last gift by releasing them from their pain and all that concerns them. You can tell them “I will be alright. It is okay for you to go.”

July 25, 2022
How to Prepare for Your Death: 6 Tips to Help Your Loved Ones Emotionally

There are many people who live in denial, but there are also people who have accepted death. It is an inevitable, and hard reality to grasp.

There are many ways to help your family and loved ones accept and anticipate your passing in advance. You can let them know that you will be gone one day, or you can leave them a letter with instructions on what they should do after you have passed.

One of the most important things is to make sure that your family knows how much they mean to you. This way, they will know that you care about them and want the best for them even after death.

Help prepare your loved ones emotionally, here’s how:

Remember to honor and acknowledge those who matter to you the most

Take some time to be with your people. You might not want them to see them crying, but knowing you have limited time, one thing you can do is to be with them while you are still around. Talk about the beautiful moments you have had with them. Those moments will be your greatest gift to them when you are gone. They can look back and think that you have spent your last days with the people they loved the most. And that, you left happy and full of love.

Look back and reflect on your life

Life is a journey. It is about the journey and not about the destination. We all go through different phases in life and each phase teaches us something new. You might have a lot of failures and losses, but count those thousands of wins and successes. Be grateful and celebrate your life. Nobody could have done better, but you.

Write an ethical will

An ethical will is a way to show your loved ones how much you care about them and your wishes for them after you have passed away. It’s also a way to make sure that they know what you want from them before they have to make any difficult decisions on their own.

Make amends and apologize to the people you hurt

Saying sorry is not easy. It takes courage, but it is necessary so will leave the Earth with peace of mind and heart without resentment. This will not only help you but also those people you hurt.

Forgive those who have hurt you

Forgiveness means releasing the past, a willingness to let go of the anger and resentment we hold onto for people who have wronged us. It is the ability to see the person for who they are now, instead of who they were then. After forgiving someone, there is this powerful feeling that you have finally let go of this negative emotion. Pretty sure, the people you forgave feel the same way.

Take a moment with your loved ones to say goodbye

The idea of saying goodbye to a loved one is a hard thing to face. Some people do not have the chance to say goodbye. You are blessed if you have the opportunity to bid farewell to them. You can arrange your own eulogy. It allows your family and closest friends to say their final words while you can still hug and kiss them. It will also help them recover from the loss when the day comes.

It’s not easy to make decisions and choices that will affect your life and the lives of those around you. That’s why it is important to think about your decisions and discuss them with your family.

July 15, 2022
7 Easy-To-Do Ideas On How To Celebrate Your Dad’s Life on Father’s Day

It is that time of the year again when families go out to celebrate their father. It is when you see decors and shops start selling items for fathers. And here you are who lost a father and still grieving. It is a painful reminder of the grief you are experiencing over the years.

Grieving is a complex process. There are days you feel good, but the next day, you feel those familiar pangs of grieving begin to reappear. So much can make you remember your dad. You could see something that made him laugh or smell his perfume. For some people, it could be learning how to ride a bike or how their dad took care of them when they were sick.

Dealing with the loss.

There are those who have lost their father and still struggling. And it would be a lot more difficult for those who have lost both of their parents. Rather than burying these feelings or avoiding thinking about the loss, you could celebrate them. Not because they are no longer with you, does not mean their memory is lost forever.

Here Are 7 Simple Ideas On How To Celebrate The Life Of Your Father In The Most Meaningful Way:

Enjoy and listen to his favorite song

You might have been avoiding listening to his favorite song for a long time. Maybe it is time to just sit and enjoy the music he used to love. Think of the time you heard him sing along or dance with his favorites. Connect with your dad through music. It is a great way to reminisce his memories and help you with your grieving process.

Arrange a special dinner for the memory of your father

If you could remember his favorite food, why don’t you try to cook it? If you do not have the recipe, perhaps you could get it from his favorite restaurant and enjoy the food with your family or some close friends.

Take a time off to visit his grave

Wish your dad a Happy Father’s Day at his grave. Bring some fresh flowers in his honor. Sometimes, the quietness in the cemetery can help you remember the sweet memories you shared together. Though you can visit him any time of the year, this day is very special because you are celebrating his life as the best father you ever had.

Light a candle

When visiting his grave isn’t possible, you can light a candle to honor your father. It can be at the place of worship, or at home. In most Catholic cemeteries, they installed a big cross right in the middle of the cemetery so people can light a candle there to remember a deceased loved one.

Volunteer in the organization or make a donation

Was your father part of an organization? Or, was he passionate about some causes like the environment, animals, children’s organizations or etc. You can volunteer in one of these organizations or make a donation. To make it even more meaningful, maybe you can give some of his belongings to charity. It is somehow comforting knowing that his legacy has lived on and that he had taught you well to be a better person.

Post on social media

You might have deactivated your social media accounts or have deleted your mobile apps to avoid seeing your friends greeting their father on Father’s Day. That’s totally fine! But it doesn’t mean you can’t post something about your father because he is no longer around. There is no better way to tell the world how much you love (and miss) him than through social media. So go on and find that best daddy photo and show it to your friends.

Travel in his memory

Is there a place that your dad wished to visit? Or, a place you and your dad used to go perhaps a beach, park, mall, or the mountain? This can be a Father’s Day tradition. You can check out these places in honor of your father. You do not have to do it alone. Invite some family members or friends to go with you. Talk about the memories they have about your father. It is a great way to accept the loss and ultimately, learn to live with the grief.

It might not be easy at first, but remember you are doing this for your dad, and for you to finally move on from his loss. Making a time to plan something special on Father’s Day will make his memory live forever. It does not have to be expensive or elaborate. However you want to celebrate his life, know that you are not alone in the journey. You are surrounded by loving family and friends who are always ready to walk with you – and make you feel less lonely.

June 12, 2022