More Than 40 Life Events That Can Bring About Feelings of Grief and Loss

We are more familiar with loss than we think we are.

Especially since the pandemic broke last year.

There are more than 40 loss events that may be experienced over the course of a life.

​Did you know this? It's kind of mind-blowing. 

In our society, we have a better understanding of how to go after a gain and what to do with a "win", than we are with what to do with a loss... or with feelings of grief, for that matter. 

Often we don't know how to "be" with our own feelings of loss... or others's feelings of loss when something devastating, tragic, or even disappointing happens.

There are tools, there is a method
The truth is, we aren't taught or given the direction, tools, or even the emotionally helpful communications to help us navigate losses... or be there with real emotional support for others either.

The right tools and education just haven't been that widely available over the last 4 decades... but there are effective, evidence-based, repeatable tools to learn. I've learned the tools myself, and have been trained to share them with others. That's all that I've been doing since May of 2020.

When you look at the list of losses...
Please bear in mind, not everyone may experience all the kinds of losses in the following list.
(This is definitely not a Bingo Card...) 

Browse this list to help you identify and clarify specific losses and how they may have affected you in your life, including in your relationships.

While you scan the list, remember that feelings of grief are normal and natural when we experience losses of every kind. Also, conflicting feelings may arise when familiar patterns or behaviors end or change.

Take a look... what have you experienced in your life so far?

1. Death of a spouse
2. Divorce
3. Marital separation
4. Imprisonment: self, friend, family member
5. Death of a family member
6. Personal injury or illness
7. Marriage
8. Dismissal from work
9. Marital reconciliation
10. Retirement
11. Change in health of spouse or other family member
12. Pregnancy
13. Sexual difficulties
14. Gain a new family member
15. Business readjustment
16. Change in a financial state
17. Death of a close friend
18. Change to a different line of work
19. Change in frequency of arguments
20. Foreclosure of mortgage or loan
21. Change in responsibilities at work
22. Child leaving home
23. Change with in-laws
24. Outstanding personal achievement
25. Spouse starts or stops work
26. Begin or end of school
27. Change in living conditions
28. Revision of personal habits
29. Trouble with boss or team
30. Change in working hours or conditions
31. Change in residence
32. Change in schools
33. Change in recreation
34. Change in church, religious, or spiritual communities
35. Change in social activities
36. Change in mortgage or loan
37. Change in sleeping habits
38. Change in number of family reunions
39. Change in eating or drinking habits
40. Vacation
41. Christmas
42. Minor violation of law
43. Loss of Trust
44. Loss of Approval
45. Loss of Safety
46. Loss of control of my body
47. Loss of identity
48. Loss or change in reproductive function
49. First of the lasts

This list shares very nearly 50 loss events that can happen in a life. The feelings of grief and loss may include myriad other feelings and symptoms as you navigate and process the loss/es. 

The Grief Recovery Method (which I teach) may be applied to all of the above loss events in order to move beyond the pain, loneliness, and isolation that arise when a loss (or losses) occur. 
Schedule your Connection Call with me today.

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