REVEL: REVIVE
Patricia Freudenberg
Principal Owner and Partner at Miss-U-Gram with expertise in End Of Life Coaching
Living Your Legacy Through Gratitude
Grief is one of the most profound experiences in life, and it can feel like being at the bottom of a deep, dark pit. The vibrations associated with grief—such as disappointment, doubt, worry, blame, discouragement, anger, revenge, rage, hatred, jealousy, insecurity, guilt, unworthiness, fear, depression, despair, and powerlessness—are among the lowest and most draining. At the very bottom of this pit lies grief itself, the heaviest of emotions.
Grief is emotional, intangible, and deeply personal. Mourning, however, is different—it is actionable. Mourning involves the steps we take to honor the life of a loved one, process our loss, and begin the journey of healing. And while these concepts—grief and mourning—are often used interchangeably, they are distinct. Understanding this distinction is crucial in navigating loss and finding a path forward.
As a certified end-of-life coach, I teach people how to live their legacy. Legacy is not merely about leaving something behind; it is about creating meaning and purpose in the present. One of the most transformative ways to do this is through gratitude.
The Power of Gratitude
Gratitude holds a unique vibration, one that lifts us out of the pit of grief and into a state of empowerment. When we embrace gratitude, we shift our focus from what we have lost to what we still have and can carry forward. Gratitude is associated with emotions such as:
These emotions not only elevate our spirits but also empower us to take actionable steps to honor the legacy of those we have lost.
Tapping Into Gratitude
When you are grieving, finding gratitude can feel impossible. But even in the midst of pain, there are ways to recognize the light:
1. Celebrate the Land of the Living
Acknowledge that you are still here, with the opportunity to live and create meaning.
2. Cherish Memories and Lessons
Reflect on the beautiful moments shared with your loved one, the lessons they taught you, and the impact they had on your life.
3. Honor Tangible or Memorable Tokens of Legacy
Physical items like jewelry, estates, trusts, or even a meaningful quote or saying from your loved one can serve as reminders of their enduring presence.
4. Express Gratitude Through Action
Memorialize your loved one by creating new traditions, sharing photos, or starting projects in their honor. Let their legacy inspire your actions.
Mourning With Gratitude
When we approach mourning from a place of gratitude, the outcomes are transformative. Mourning becomes a way to celebrate life and build a legacy that honors the memory of those we have lost. Gratitude empowers us to create something beautiful out of the pain—a tribute to the lives that touched ours.
Through gratitude, we find freedom, love, appreciation, and, most importantly, joy. Gratitude helps us not only survive grief but also thrive in its wake. It teaches us that while grief is an unavoidable part of life, mourning with purpose and intention can lead to healing and renewal.
So, let us REVEL in the life that remains and REVIVE our spirits through gratitude. By doing so, we not only honor those we have lost but also transform our own lives into legacies of love, strength, and joy.
*My teachings focus on creating and living a legacy in alignment with actionable steps for mourning and healing.