I believe grief is a process that involves a lot of time, energy and determination. I won’t “get over it” in a hurry, so don’t rush me!
I believe grief is intensely personal. This is my grief. Don’t tell me how I should be doing it. Don’t tell me what’s right or what’s wrong. I’m doing it my way, in my time.
I believe grief is affecting me in many ways. I am being affected spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially and mentally. If I’m not acting like my old self, it’s because I’m not my old self and some days even I don’t understand myself.
I believe I will be affected in some way by this loss for the rest of my life. As I get older, I will have new insights into what this death means to me. My loved one will continue to be part of my life and influence me until the day I die.
I believe I am being changed by this process. I see life differently. Some things that were once important to me aren’t any more. Some things I used to pay little or no attention to are now important. I think a new me is emerging, so don’t be surprised – and don’t stand in the way.
by John Kennedy Saynor
©GENESIS Bereavement Resources
About this Credo
I wrote this Credo many years ago as a statement of my personal beliefs about the grieving process. Since that time, it has been picked up and used by people and organizations around the world. Perhaps nothing else I have written has been met with such widespread acceptance. It just seems to hit a cord with people.
If you would like to reprint the Credo, please contact me for permission. The credo is also available for sale as a postcard in lots of 100 for $20.
Kindest Regards
John Kennedy Saynor
www.Genesis-Resources.com