Journaling prompts for grief
I know, I know, a therapist who suggests journaling. How unique! Journaling is not for everyone — no intervention is one sized fits all — but these questions can be a beautiful place to start exploring your grief. I suggest setting the scene: get comfortable physically, open a new document and/or crack open a notebook, light a candle or a stick of incense, and see what comes out on the page. There is something special and important about externalizing your experience, getting it out of your head.
What do ‘griefbursts’ or grief attacks look like for you? When and where did you last experience one?
List the secondary losses you are experiencing as a result of our loss. Examples may be related to loss of self (identity, confidence, health, personality), security (emotional, physical, financial, lifestyle), and/or meaning (goals, dreams, faith, joy). Choose one or two and write about them.
How do you feel about the concept of learning to reconcile rather than get over grief?
What is a mantra you can return to when you feel overwhelmed by grief? Where should that mantra be, so that you can access it?
Do you think your gender identity affects your grief? Why/why not?
If you could tell your deceased person about your day, what would you tell them?
If I could forgive them for something, it would be…
I feel most connected to my loved one when…
How have your views of God and spirituality changed since grieving?
How are you discovering transformation by grief?
