Developing a healthy self-care practice is an essential part of active grieving. Self-care in all its forms - physical, spiritual, intellectual and psychological - is at the very heart of purposeful grieving. As you're committed to growing through this experience of loss - of becoming more than you were before the passing of your loved one, not less - I offer you these self-care tips and ideas:

• Surround yourself with things that help you feel peaceful.
• Do things at your own pace.
• Give yourself permission to let grief come and go.
• Find comfort with those who have experienced loss.
• Do what feels comfortable and connects you to the people and things you love.
• Try to exercise, take walks, visit family or friends.
• Get involved in a cause that means something to you.
• Give yourself something to look forward to. This may help you to re-engage more fully with your life.
• Make sure you are taking care of business and paying your bills. If you are unable to do so, ask for help.
• Enjoy small pleasures. The more we experience pleasure and comfort, the more we are able to regain our pleasure in life itself.

For today, pick a tip from this list and put it into action.