We all go through it in our lifetime, having to lose someone you love or are close to is a tragedy like no other. Your perspective on life changes when you lose someone, that is when you stop for a second and think about what this life truly means and you realize how short it is no matter how long you get to live. The biggest breakthrough with having lost someone is the process of grieving which can be a long process or as little time as possible. After a loss it is hard to go back to your usual life routine initially because you may be constantly stopping to think about the reality of someone who is now gone and is never coming back in this lifetime. Also everyone grieves differently, there is no right or wrong way. “My Condolences” or “Stay strong” are the most used when trying to console someone who is grieving. The important thing to remember is that this is your loss and no one else’s, so it is crucial that you recover in your own time at your own pace. Do not rush yourself to “get over it”, let it sink in, and deal with every emotion you feel inside at a natural pace. Disbelief can be another naturally felt emotion after one has had a loss. It may be hard to no longer imagine someone you knew being around, confusion can take over your mind and it can become extremely hard to believe that you will not get an answer if you were to dial that person’s number. You may even hear their voice in your head and hear them laugh and you are almost sure it is real. The memories shared with a loved one can be what makes it even harder to cope with because how can someone you were just with recently just be gone. Many people would prefer to spend their grieving time alone to process everything while some others would prefer to be around other people to help their process. Some people may want to be around others whom are also grieving or be around happy people who do not remind them of their loss at every turn. The after affects of a loss can of course result in sadness, feeling lifeless, and not having the motivation speak to anyone or do much. Over time you will start to begin to feel changes, you will start to accept the fact your loved one is no longer around, and you will build a new relationship with that person, a relationship where you can continue to live your life while keeping your loved one in your heart and in your mind. You will start to heal but not forget that loved one. Last thing to keep in mind is that your loved one would have wanted you to live and be happy, not only for yourself, but also for them.

– Marty and Ousmane, Life Circles