Life Choices to Put On Hold If You’re Grieving

two women are sitting on a couch holding hands .

The loss of a loved one changes your life and the lives of those around you. The grief that can come with that loss creates great emotional stress. While trying to adapt to a new normal some may feel the urge to make big life choices that can be influenced by the emotions you are experiencing at that time. Down the road you’ll find the value of having a calm, clear mind to make those decisions and that it pays to wait. Here are a few life choices that you should consider putting on hold when grieving.

1. Relocation

Relocation is often on people’s minds shortly after a loved one passes. If a parent, sibling or other individual lived close to you or even with you, it can feel difficult to keep that residence because everywhere you go reminds you of them. This is even more true if you lose a spouse. They were a part of your daily routine and relocating would offer you a reprieve from those memories. However, relocating often comes with details and logistics that take time to sort through. Doing this while grieving can create added stress during an already emotional time. It is best to wait at least 6 to 8 months after the passing of a loved one before you should consider moving residences. In time, it may become easier to remain where you are, and if not, you’ll have the mental and emotional energy to sort everything out properly.

2. Employment

Returning to work after the death of a loved one has proven to be a difficult transition for those who are grieving. As a result, these individuals are more likely to make significant decisions regarding employment. They think about either leaving their current job or seeking new employment opportunities that they believe will be a better fit for them as they grieve. However, routine and normality often help people in grieving situations, and it’s best to keep this aspect of your life the same for at least 6 months after the death of a loved one.

3. Keepsakes and mementos

Everyone handles grief differently. Some individuals treasure keepsakes and mementos while others find that they’re a constant reminder of the person they lost. Although your keepsakes may trigger grief now, resist the urge to discard them. That is a permanent decision that can never be reversed. If you’re finding it difficult to have certain items around, put them in a box out of sight or in storage so that you can make the decision once you’re a bit more removed from your grief. You should allow at least 6 months to pass before you permanently discard any items to ensure it is the right decision for you.

4. Finances

Having a loved one pass can be complex from a financial perspective. Individuals are often tempted to consolidate accounts or change their own financial standings based on those of their loved ones. However, without proper guidance it can prove unwise to do this. If you’re going to change your finances within the first 6 months of your loved one’s passing, consult with a financial advisor and be sure that it is a reversible decision just in case anything changes.

Final thoughts

When a loved one passes, you may feel as though you’re faced with a lot of significant life choices to make while you also handle an immense amount of grief. Give yourself a little time to heal and wait at least 6 months before handling your finances, discarding keepsakes or mementos, altering your employment situation or considering relocation. Implementing this waiting period will allow you to enter into these decisions with a clear mind and your emotions in check.

June 16, 2025
“We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next to find ourselves.” – Pico Iyer Traveling can provide an insightful perspective into your life, but when you're grieving, that perspective often widens into something much more. Grief can be isolating and lonely. Traveling can serve as a reminder to yourself that there is a whole world out there outside of the walls of your home and familiar places that may remind you of your loss. A vacation may be the last thing on your mind. However, it can aid in your grieving journey by not forgetting that you are grieving but making it easier to remember good times with your loved one. We’ve come up with four ideal vacations to consider to enrich your heart and soul, melt away stress and have a deeply rejuvenating and meaningful adventure. The Cruise Vacation Being away at sea can be healing for grieving on both an emotional and health level. Nothing says adventure like booking a voyage and being whisked away on a ship to forget about real life for a week or so. On a cruise, you’ll be waited on hand and foot and have access to food around the clock, on board entertainment and an environment of elegance and fun. Plenty of sunshine gives your body a Vitamin D dose, which boosts the immune system and offers natural anti-depressants from positive endorphins. Fresh ocean water also produces positive mental function and respiratory health. As a big plus, there are cruise packages for every budget. You can book anything from a quick 3-day cruise to Mexico or the Caribbean, to a 14-day Alaskan or Mediterranean voyage. The Therapeutic Vacation While there is a time for adventure, for some the grieving journey calls for complete relaxation. In this case, an all-inclusive resort package in a tropical location may work wonders. Perhaps a more budget-friendly option is a getaway to a cabin or bed and breakfast? Many people choose to book stays specializing in therapeutic relaxation and spa treatments. All of these are awesome options if you want to lower the cortisol levels in your body and enjoy the soothing relaxation of treating yourself. In the United States, locations like Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Asheville, North Carolina can offer plenty of rest and relaxation. If you’re thinking of adding stamps to your passport, the Icelandic or Irish countryside can rejuvenate you. The Physical Activity Vacation Many people choose to grieve by engulfing themselves into rigorous physical activity. This is a great way to de-stress while improving your health and adding years to your life. Some people might choose vacations with world-class fitness centers or challenges, while others prefer to embark on natural physical challenges including climbs, hikes, and trails. Climbing Japan’s Mt. Fuji not only to physically exert yourself but also to boost your emotional health through confronting and conquering a challenge. You’ll have stories for life when you decide to explore natural rainforests or go kayaking through British Columbia or New Zealand. The Sight-Seeing Vacation Taking in breathtaking monuments, structures or natural wonders do a lot to expand your horizons and touch your emotions. These vacations work to put life and the world into perspective, which is essential in any grief journey. There are countless sights and landmarks to see. A trip to check out the Grand Canyon, Eiffel Tower, New York Skyscrapers, Swiss Alps, Great Wall of China, Pyramids of Africa and the list goes on. You can’t go wrong with any of these vacations. Comb through them to see which touch your heart and fill needs that will help your mental, physical and spiritual health.
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As we approach Memorial Day, we’re reminded that this day is more than just a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer. It's a solemn occasion—a time to pause, remember, and reflect on the extraordinary sacrifice of the brave men and women who laid down their lives in service to our country. Memorial Day is about honoring those who never came home. It's a day to recognize the weight of freedom—the cost of which has been paid in lives lost on battlefields near and far. From the beaches of Normandy to the deserts of the Middle East, these heroes fought not for recognition, but for a cause greater than themselves: the preservation of liberty and the protection of the values we hold dear. But our reflection doesn’t stop there. While Memorial Day specifically honors the fallen, it's also an opportunity to acknowledge the living veterans and active service members who carry the burden of memory and continue to serve with courage and dedication. Their stories, resilience, and sense of duty remind us what it truly means to serve. This Memorial Day, let’s remember with gratitude, honor with intention, and live in a way that reflects the depth of their gift. To all who have served—and to those we have lost—we remember you. We honor you. We thank you.
April 28, 2025
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April 23, 2025
Throughout our lives, we plan for significant events. We plan for retirement to ensure financial security in our later years. We meticulously plan weddings to celebrate love and commitment. We save for education expenses, investing in our children’s futures. And of course, we plan vacations to create lasting memories with those we care about. These plans allow us to live life fully, knowing we’ve prepared for what’s ahead.
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