Bereaved Resources

//Affirmations

An affirmation is a positive thought or statement reinforcing a desired goal which has been reached or is within reach. Affirmations may be seen as short prayers asking for God’s assistance. They may also be a statement of a goal prayed in the present as if it is already occurring. In times of sadness, loneliness, depression and grief, affirmations can help to uplift one from negativity to a more balanced state of mind.

We manifest what we think. This manifestation can be positive or negative. Grieving the loss of a loved one can cause us to fill our minds and hearts with feelings of sadness, suffering, pain, loneliness, anguish, anger, betrayal, abandonment, despair, hurt, dejection, dispiritedness, bitterness, broken heartedness, loss of control, loss of companionship, loss of relationship and other negative emotions.

Affirmations may help us to appreciate the good times and good qualities of the departed while we mourn. While grieving is normal, to some extent, it is up to the individual to work his or her way out of the pit of grief. How long this takes to come through grief to a new normalcy varies depending on the individual. However, affirmations may help to replace feelings of darkness with the Light of Inner Peace.

Feelings are the basis for our thoughts which in turn become the basis of our actions. Actions eventually become the basis for our habits. Programming ourselves to be positive will benefit not only us, but those around us.

An Affirmation may be said repeatedly, or only once. The following are some basic affirmations which have been useful to many bereaved people. Some may resonate with you more then others do. Feel free to use any or all of them in your journey through grief, or to develop your own.

• I trust God to guide me through this time, and I take the first step to do it.
• I thank God for the relationship I shared with (loved one who crossed over) and for the time we had.
• I am a clear channel for God’s peace, love and Light.
• I now let go, and let God.
• Although I am in mourning, I exercise sane self-care.
• I allow in, the honest expressions of sympathy and compassion I receive from friends.
• When I feel too alone, I will call a friend.
• I will let others know what I need.
• I choose love, I choose to heal.
• I choose to accept and love myself.
• I now let go of my sorrow, but hold onto my love for (loved one who crossed over).
• I now do unto others, as I would have them do unto me.
• I now have compassion, even for those I do not understand.
• I treasure every day I am living.
• My life has value and others appreciate who I am.

Every day is a gift from God and we must use that gift wisely and with love. Some days though, may not feel like a gift, because they are full of hardship and sadness. On those days we may need some hope to help us cope. Affirmations can help by being a tool to lift us up when we feel down. They are a way to remind us to choose love over sorrow and to summon our inner strength when circumstances make us feel weak. Affirmations are also a means of asking God for guidance during times of hardship, and thanking God for our blessings during times of joy.