The loss of a loved one is life’s most testing experiences. In the pain and trauma that this loss can cause, it is important to keep their memory alive. Their memory can provide peace and comfort to us and help us navigate the pain in the long run. Actively honoring their memory and celebrating their lives can create a bond that stays with us for the rest of our lives, and truly transcends the world we live in today. Continue in this post to discover six meaningful ways to maintain the memory of your loved one, making sure their spirit lives on with us forever.
1. Creating Physical Reminders
Using physical reminders of our loved ones is one of the most effective ways to preserve their memory. Great examples of these tangible pieces are memory boxes that can be filled with items relevant to the life of your loved one, such as special possessions, handwritten notes or journal entries, and even photographs. These memories can be turned into collages to display, or even usable items like memory blankets that can provide comfort. Other physical reminders can include jewelry or other accessories engraved with your loved one’s name, important dates from their life, or even quotes that they used to say. Personalized urns are another great physical reminder, as the urn’s design can reflect the personality and soul of your loved one. These physical reminders are a great way to bring our loved one’s memory to life, and even impact our day-to-day lives in their absence.
2. Meaningful Activities
Engaging in activities that hold value to your loved one is a great way to honor their memory. These activities can turn into powerful traditions that repeat year after year, never letting the memory of your loved one fade. Some examples of these traditions can include visiting your loved one’s favorite place, eating their favorite foods, or even something as simple as lighting a candle in their honor. Certain dates such as birthdays or anniversaries are great ways to remember their life, as you continue to live it without them. If they were involved in charities or volunteer groups, supporting these groups in their absence is another meaningful way to carry on their memory. Even creating living memories, such as naming a pet after them or starting a garden in their honor are powerful reminders of their memory.
3. Share Stories and Memories
One of the most powerful ways to remember your loved one is by actually sharing their stories with others, or just verbalizing them to yourself. These sharing sessions can manifest themselves in many ways, such as journal entries, hosting a celebration of life, or simply giving tribute to your loved one throughout your day. It is important to be sure to pay attention to your own thoughts as well so that you are not overwhelmed by the grief of your loss. Journaling is a great way to combine your loved one’s memories with your own personal thoughts, where you can learn to find ways to appreciate the situation, even though they are no longer with you. Even creating a digital folder of their memories to keep with you on your phone or computer is an easy way to keep their memory alive and active in your daily thoughts.
4. Art or Music
If your loved one enjoyed any of the arts, they can be a great way to continue on with their life and activities in their absence. These arts can include but are not limited to, musical instruments, painting, singing, sculpting, or even writing stories and poetry. These pieces of art can be made about them, or simply created in their honor, with the intentionality of continuing their craft.
5. Build their Legacy
Oftentimes a person’s legacy is not clear until the years after they have passed. So, finding small ways to contribute to their legacy is a great way to honor their life. Establishing charities, scholarships, or foundations in their name is a prime example of building their legacy, and can help benefit the people or organizations that they were working towards in their life. Publishing a book detailing their life or the lessons they taught us is another testament to their life and legacy. Organizing events that put their passions on display can bring their story to a larger audience.
6. Take Care of Yourself
During the grieving process, it is important to make sure that you are prioritizing your own mental health. A few ways to do this are connecting with others who have experienced similar losses, joining support groups, or even therapy. These will all help you know that you are not alone in the grieving process. Volunteer work is another great way to give back and offer help or support to those in need. Make sure to keep your friends and family close, as you can share memories of your loved one, which can help build your sense of community and support systems.
Written by: Aaron Smith
About the author: Aaron Smith is an LA-based content strategist and consultant in support of STEM firms and medical practices. He covers industry developments and helps companies connect with clients. In his free time, Aaron enjoys swimming, swing dancing, and sci-fi novels.