I Am A Part Of You

We often identify ourselves as unique individuals, and while this is true - there is no one else like you - it is also true that you are a product of the people who are most important to you. Unknowingly, we all absorb bits and pieces of the qualities and characteristics of others, even from our earliest days.

Reflecting on the many ways that your loved one has impacted your life can be a powerful way to continue the relationship and become a living legacy of their gifts, while at the same time choosing how you want to be in the world. 

Precautions:

If you are in the early season of grief, reflecting on the characteristics of your loved one may be overwhelming. In that case, you may wish to choose someone who died earlier, and whose memory does not cause you suffering. That being said, this reflection can be very helpful even in the early days. It is likely that you already know whether this is right for you or not based on reading this description. Consider what will be best for you, and know that you can practice this in your own time.

If the relationship you had with the person who died is ambivalent or complicated, such as in cases of trauma or abuse, this exercise should be reserved for when you have a trusted counselor on your side who can support you. You may wish to choose a different person from your life who was a positive influence until you are ready to explore the imprint of a more difficult person.