Navigating the Disorientation of Grief: Transforming Loss into a Journey of Healing

Have you ever experienced that moment of disorientation after changing clocks, finding yourself dazed and off schedule? That's what the early stages of grief felt like for me—the challenge of navigating an unfamiliar world. During those times, I leaned heavily on my habits for a sense of stability.

Habits are powerful and impartial; they can either bolster our healing journey or hold us back. Initially, my habit loop kept me busy, distracting me from the heavy emotions of losing my sister. However, the beauty of habits is their potential for transformation into something more constructive.

Changing habits takes intention and time—typically 60-90 days. Here's an easy start: make the habits you want easier to do, and the ones you'd like to shake, less convenient. For instance, by choosing healthier options at the grocery store, I naturally eat better at home. It’s much easier to grab an apple when there aren’t any chips lying around.

And I must admit, I have my festive obsession with eggnog (this one's for you, Anna). Limiting myself to just one carton helps me enjoy the treat without going overboard.

When it comes to cutting back on habits like excessive TV watching, adding friction points can help break the cycle. For example, we moved our TV remotes behind a closed door so that watching TV became a conscious choice rather than an automatic action.

So, if grief has left you disoriented, I encourage you to observe your habits without judgment. Ask yourself: Are these habits supporting my well-being? If not, consider what behavior you need to shift and what you’d like it to become.

With time, you’ll regain your footing. Use this period of reorientation to implement empowering new habits. I'm doing it, and so can you.