What is “Moving On”?

“Moving On”….. what does it mean when someone says this?

Firstly, The difficulty with ‘moving on’ is that for some people, sometimes we don’t want to heal because the pain is the last link to what we’ve lost. We cling to pain, not because we want the hurt, but because it’s the last thread tying us to what once mattered so much and letting go feels like saying goodbye all over again.

We feel like the only way to remember someone we once loved is to hold on to the pain they left behind. But the truth is, letting go isn’t forgetting. It’s making space for love to exist without the hurt. Transforming our grief doesn’t mean the pain is gone. It means that love remains, without the hurt. You’ll know you’re healing when you can think of what and who you’ve lost, and feel love instead of pain.

Some simple ways we can begin to integrate our grief:

• Ritual: designate special days that we honour those who’ve died.
• Gratitude: write a letter to our beloved, telling them what you are grateful for. Thank them for the things that bring a smile to your face. Even if tears come, welcome them too.
• Light a Candle:  Light a candle and say their name. Perhaps include some words of gratitude, and appreciation. You’ll welcome them into the present and connect with their energy.
• Share Stories:  Telling others about the person we are missing helps to process the grief. It can be a couple of sentences, or an entire 17 minute TedTalk… sharing stories heals the heart.

We have found that these work for us and our clients. You’re invited to explore more creative ways to remember and bring your loved ones into your life.