How to Handle Father’s Day Grief When Your Dad Has Passed
Firstly let’s acknowledge that today is a celebration day and impossible to have the same positive feelings you once experienced when your Dad was still with you. Your Dad was taken away and now too is the joy of this day of celebration. Acknowledge your heart and what you have gone through.
1) Tomorrow is a new day. Today will pass.
It’s normal for this day to not go as predicted, to have emotional swings to be shrouded in gloom. If the only thing you do today is be kind to yourself, that’s enough.
2) You can still talk to your Dad
I’m a big believer in the light of a person simply transforming when they pass and that we can still connect with them. Their death was out of your control but you can set the pace in the way forward. I’ve got a seperate entry on talking with spirits if that’s something that interests you further!
3) The love for your Dad didn’t die, when he died. Not everything is gone
The feeling of lacking, missing, or absence may be extra strong today but I’d love to argue, love trumps all.
4) What would your Dad say to you today?
I watched my own Dad loose both his parents gracefully. He taught me about having an optimistic viewpoint, to be grateful for what you have, and that any obstacle you face you can overcome. I’m sure your own Dad had some great insights and helpful tips you can draw upon today 🙂
5) Gratitude is one of the beat weapons against unwanted emotions
Can you say to yourself right now, one thing your Dad taught or helped you with? Can you search back for some joy and gratitude?
6) If you’re feeling brave, take the courage to do something that may make you cry
Go to a spot or do an activity that reminds you of your Dad or talk about your Dad to someone that knew and loved him. I choose to sit in nature. It’s the spot where I normally connect with Dad and it’s meaningful since we have a shared love of nature. I sat down and wrote him a letter, cried, and felt a lot better afterward.
“Dear Dad,
I miss your optimism and advice and the space you held for me to hand over my stresses; your ability to problem solve all my problems. I thank you for the strength you grew inside me and for your daily reminder that it still exists. Thank you for existing in a new way for me, for not going or leaving me. I’m proud to share your heart, your spirituality, love of life, your curiosity, and sense of justice. Dad, today, I terribly miss you.”
Ideas for your own letter
– what you miss about him
– share what you’re currently up to
– something you wish you would have said to him
– similar traits you share
– a loved memory
Sending you big love to get through this day to get through the next, to find a new normal, and to never forget your beautiful Dad!
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