Our Weekly Tip: Memory Box for Those Grieving

Our Tip of the Week:  One good thing you can do as you grieve is filter it through a creative outlet. When someone we love dies, the stability of our emotional state takes quite a beating — in one moment we may feel overwhelmed by depression, only to be flung into anger and frustration. Creating a memory box gives you a way to work through the stages of grief by gathering mementos — memories, really — that can support you through your grieving period.

How-to Suggestion: One of the best things about the memory box is its simple, dynamic nature. You can choose to make the box with loved ones or alone (it would make a sweet centerpiece as a celebration of life ceremony, too). If you have boxes at home that are meaningful to use, we suggest throwing them into the DIY project. If not, you can head to your local thrift store to pick up boxes, frames, paper and endless knick knacks for embellishing. Naturally, you’ll want to fill your box with souvenirs and mementos that recall all the good times — but it’s okay to express your hurt, too. Try writing down your feelings of grief and putting them in the box alongside your “memory” items. Sometimes, just letting yourself soak in your present feelings, however difficult that may seem, can nudge you one step closer to carrying your grief with grace.

Explore other end-of-life tips through our Practical Tips column.