Avoid Major Decision-Making While Grieving—Why This is So Important
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Do Not Make Hasty Grief-Driven Decisions
The phrase “don’t make any big decisions for the first year after a loved one dies” is not a myth. It’s a rule, for a reason.
The death of a loved one is, for sure, one of the most stressful events a person can endure in a lifetime. Whether it is unexpected or expected, it is still a shock to your system and makes even the most minor decision-making very difficult.
When you’re grieving, you’re usually not thinking clearly and not necessarily in the right frame of mind.
For Example:
You’re impulsively trying to make it through the day, do whatever it takes, do whatever works for you. At the same time, you are trying to figure out your “new normal” and shape your new life without your loved one.
Grief clouds your reactions and responses. There is also such a thing as “grief brain fog,” a kind of fog that accompanies you for a while in the early parts of grief.
Delay Making Life-Altering Decisions
4 of the “big ones” where the “no big decisions for the first year” rule applies:
1 — Getting rid of keepsakes, mementos, photos, clothes, collectibles.
Sometimes it’s tempting to want to get rid of all the memories that make you sad and feel impossible to live with. Be careful, you may feel differently at a later date and then it will be too late. It’s better to wait than to regret your actions.
So, wait before you undertake a random disposal of a loved one’s items. As you adjust to your loss, you actually may be able to tolerate some of the times, as remembrances. They may be a comfort to you rather than a painful reminder. That’s the time when you’ll be glad you kept them.
Until that time, if it hurts to look at clothes, photos or other objects, put them out of your sight. And if you are sure, you can start the removal process at nine months, if you feel sure about it.
2 — Changing jobs.
When I am counseling my clients, they often tell me how hard it is to return to their jobs after experiencing a death. It’s hard to return to work friends and colleagues when you’re feeling “different” and even emotional around them.
You may feel like you’d like a new job in order to have a different work environment, or you might even want to switch careers. But, give yourself at least six months before re-evaluating whether you really need to switch jobs or careers.
Before then, if the job is too rough with your grief, see if you can work out a situation with your current employer that might be more comfortable for you.
photo by Melanie Rosillo Galvan on Unsplash
3 — Moving.
Ah, stop right there.
For many, the initial response to a death is: I have to move.
This is a really important one to delay for at least six months, but preferably for a year. Moving is a huge life change and not an endeavor to be taken lightly. It’s also exhausting, just as grief is exhausting. Two tiring processes at the same time can be a recipe for disaster.
Give yourself a chance to try to get used to living in your home without your loved one. Yes, it will be lonelier, and your routines will be different. Your space may feel too large. But adjusting to a “new normal” takes time. Give it that.
The decision to move deserves much more thought than a knee-jerk reaction. As the months go on, you may find that living in your space is not as bad as you had originally thought. If perhaps your loved one died in your home, it may be hard in the first few days or months. You may want to stay with a friend, a relative, or in a hotel until things settle down.
But don’t put the For Sale sign out just yet.
4 — Other life decisions like having a baby, not having a baby, getting married, getting divorced, retiring, or making major investments.
These are big decisions that require rational and serious thought. Wait on them, and try to seek guidance if needed, to make sure that your reasons for your decisions are sensible for the long run.
NOTE: Sometimes it may be possible to find a solution that is temporary or reversible. At first, it’s best to implement the kind of decision that can be changed easily at any time.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
Before you approach the “big decisions,” seek expert guidance, support and thoughtful discussions about each decision and its consequences.
Talk to a grief counselor
Sometimes, an outside professional can help you weigh the pros and cons and arrive at a logical decision for the time being. An objective viewpoint and some guidance may be just what you need. I spend time with my clients on decision-making all the time. And it helps.
Talk to trusted people
People who have your best interests in mind – an accountant, lawyer, financial advisor, clergy, close relative or close friend.
Grief is hard work.
It is important to take care of yourself while grieving. It takes a mental, physical, emotional and spiritual toll on our bodies, mind and heart. So, why add the extra stress of decision-making to the mix?
The Bottom Line:
Delay making any life-altering decisions in haste when your grief and your emotions are heightened.
If you think a grief counselor can help you sort through your new life and help, visit my website and let me support you at this time.
