Though shared with all humanity, loss and grief remain eternally, deeply personal; intimately our own. Taking into consideration the variables that shape our personal experience of loss and grief fosters self understanding in the context of each and any loss that may occur in our life. Understanding the variables that influence our grief can help guide us meaningfully through our mourning. Despite the universal quality, loss and grief are never generic.
Many variables personalize loss and grief. Reflect upon the many ways in which the losses you have experienced have their own individual circumstances and qualities, and are experientially distinct from each other for you. Consider, for each one, what in particular you need to mourn. Loss and grief are universal to the human race, but each and every true loss is once in a lifetime. Never underestimate the uniqueness of any loss nor the need for mourning that is a reflection of the personal nature of the loss and grief you are experiencing.
To read more about the personal side of grief and mourning click on the following pages: Timing and Circumstances; Personal & Relationship Variables; Culture and Religion.