Advice for Navigating Reminders of a Lost Loved One

After you lose someone close to you, it can feel as though everything around you is a reminder of them. Their favorite song on the radio. Their perfume on an old scarf. All of the little things that make you think of them can start to appear everywhere you turn.

However, these reminders do not have to trigger your grief. In fact, being reminded of your late friend or family member can help while you begin your journey to healing. As you navigate the reminders of your Loved One, keep in mind these pieces of advice:

Give Yourself Time to Process Your Emotions

Reminders of your lost Loved One will happen unexpectedly. When they do, give yourself time to experience your emotions. Sit with your thoughts for a moment or two, processing what this reminder means to you. Does it bring you comfort? Does it make you want to talk to someone about your loss? Listen to those feelings and respond accordingly.

Find Joy in Your Memories

As much as you are able, try to find the joy in these reminders. If you see your Loved One’s favorite book at the store, reflect on the time the two of you sat and talked about the characters while drinking coffee. If your Loved One’s favorite movie starts playing on TV, remember all of memories you had watching it and laughing together. Seeing these reminders from a positive perspective will help you to better navigate—and appreciate—them as they happen. This will get easier with time, so give yourself grace as you practice this mindset shift.

Find Peace in Knowing They Are Still Near

Day-to-day reminders of your Loved One are a sign that they are still near, in your heart. Find peace in knowing that they are with you in this precious way. Even though you can no longer physically hold them, having their memory so close can help you continue to feel connected to them today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

Change Your Environment, If Needed

If the reminders of your Loved One are too strong or overwhelming, take action to change your environment. When a Loved One passes, especially when they were someone we shared a home with, the constant reminders can be hard to navigate. To move forward and come to peace, you may need to lovingly store some of their items in a different place until you are ready to see them again. You won’t be able to protect yourself from every reminder or memory, but this practice will help you to have a little more space and comfort.

If you have recently lost a Loved One, please accept our deepest sympathies. It is never easy to say goodbye to someone so dear. We hope that each reminder of your Loved One is an opportunity to be close to their spirit, and that you can feel the peace of knowing they are near.