Currently I’m attending a local Griefshare group at my church. It’s a wonderful small group that is a safe place. How important it is to have a safe place to question, vent, share, and listen.
The Griefshare ministry is video driven with a workbook that is done during the week. It is thoughtfully laid out and even has scripture written out right there on the page, which helps so much. Another thing I appreciate is the larger font they have used. It’s not so much an age thing as it is a bereavement thing. I don’t know about you, but I like a little larger font when I’m a bit bleary eyed.
In a recent video, one of the folks sharing about their grief journey spoke about how when we are overwhelmed with all that needs to be done, that it’s helpful to just do the next right thing. I love that!! And this is why I’m writing today’s post. I want to share that great thought with you.
Coincidentally, there is a podcast I listen to called, The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman. I mention that in case you may have heard of it. Great podcast, by the way, and I’ve found it helpful on my grief journey. Just know that it’s for everyone and not focused on bereavement. Emily is so good at helping us simplify our every day, our thoughts etc. And as you have probably realized, that helps when grieving.
But on to the reason for this post.
When grieving, we get overwhelmed, upset, stuck, and so many other things. It is this particular subject that the Griefshare video was addressing. Sometimes we come to a place where we don’t know what to do, what step to take. That’s when I think it’s important to do the thing right in front of you – do the next right thing. When we do just that one thing, it can help us feel ready to do the next thing, and the next, and the next.
Sounds so simple, but as you know, when we are grieving – it’s NOT! Taking that next step requires an act of the will. You won’t want to do it, but once you take that one step forward, you will see significant benefits – sometimes right away, and sometimes once you have completed that next thing.
It’s a feeling of accomplishment. It’s one less thing on the long list of things to do. And once it’s done, go ahead and take pride in it. If you are a list maker like me, getting that one thing done will help you feel just a bit better. Note – I’m sorry for using the word better, but it’s the word in the English language that describes it best. We both know that better takes awhile, so please understand that I’m not rushing you.
So dear friend on this grief journey with me – take heart, take a deep breath – and do the next right thing.
I know I’m stepping out on a limb here, but I sincerely believe you will be glad you did.
Debbie,
As I read this blog, I wondered if attending a grief share has given you a different perspective than you got from hosting it and if so, how.
Alan
Attending Griefshare, since it is not what I used to facilitate previously, has given me a different angle looking at things. But that happens, to a degree, with every book or other resource I read or listen to about bereavement/grieving. There is no way to cover everything in one particular group or book, though I’m sure that each method or media thinks they have covered it all. One thing I’m learning as time passes is this. The more I learn or am exposed to grief-wise, the more I realize I don’t know or understand all of it. There are aspects that have not touched my life thus far. And so I absorb everything God allows to cross my path concerning loss. I hope that answers your question. Debbie