QUESTIONS  for  the  Grieving

  1. What was your loved one's favorite color? Name something they had that was that color.
  2. What have others done for you that has brought comfort?
  3. What did you admire most about your loved one?
  4. What is something that your loved one taught you?
  5. Where is your hope?
  6. What gets you out of bed in the morning?
  7. Did your loved one have a pet? Can you share a story?
  8. How do you take care of yourself?
  9. What are you avoiding?
  10. Do you pretend that you are okay?
  11. Is love stronger than death?
  12. Who has given you inspiration and encouragement in your grief?
  13. How do you deal with "Why"?
  14. What is your favorite memory?
  15. Name one thing you accomplished today.
  16. Have you found a way to express your needs for support to family and friends?
  17. How do you keep a sense of perspective?
  18. What have you done recently to make someone's life better?
  19. Is it possible to not only survive, but to thrive after loss?
  20. What can someone say to bring you comfort?
  21. Have you reconnected with your body through exercise?
  22. How do you spend your time alone?
  23. Do you feel overwhelmed?
  24. What are you afraid of?
  25. Have you kept a journal? Was it helpful?
  26. What is the nicest thing someone has done for you?
  27. Do you feel "stuck" in your grief?
  28. Do you believe "helping is healing"?
  29. What have you done with your loved one's belongings?
  30. Have you had trouble with what if's and guilt?
  31. Do you believe in life after death?
  32. What is something good that has happened recently?
  33. How do you cope with multiple losses?
  34. What are you looking forward to?
  35. What makes you smile?
  36. It only takes one...
  37. Do you "pay it forward"?
  38. Share your favorite quotes.
  39. Describe a special memory...
  40. How have your beliefs changed or been tested?
  41. What is something you are optimistic about?
  42. Share your poems.
  43. What inspires you?
  44. What is the biggest challenge you are facing now?
  45. What is your favorite memory of your loved one?
  46. What did you do or are you doing to get through the year of firsts?
  47. What do you want your life to look like in 5 years?
  48. Share your story...
  49. Is there a way to honor your loved one's memory?
  50. Do you feel guilty when you smile or laugh?
  51. How's your memory since your loss?
  52. Do you think grief can transform you?
  53. Do you have a comforting verse or quote to share?
  54. Can you accept living without answers?
  55. What is most important to you now?
  56. Tell us about your loved one.
  57. Do you feel like a burden to others? Is it hard to each out for help?
  58. What have you given up on?
  59. What is one word that describes your loved one?
  60. What brings you joy?
  61. Do you think you will grieve forever? Do you think peace is possible at some point?
  62. What do you find comforting?
  63. How can you LIVE today?
  64. What things are beautiful?
  65. How would you describe yourself in 5 words?
  66. Do you feel your life has a purpose? What is it?
  67. Have you found hidden treasures left behind by your loved one?
  68. What makes you excited about life?
  69. What are your grief triggers?
  70. How have you taken care of yourself?
  71. Have your friends and friendships changed?
  72. Is "staying busy" helpful?
  73. Do you feel more prepared for the challenges of life?
  74. Can peace and pain coexist?
  75. Can you exercise today? What will you do?
  76. Are you the "strong" one taking care of everyone else?
  77. How do you like to remember your loved one? When alone or with others? In quiet moments or during large celebrations?
  78. What offers of help are actually helpful?
  79. Is your glass half full or half empty? Why?
  80. Where do you see yourself in six months?
  81. Are you feeding your fears or your hopes and dreams?
  82. Do you take time to remember or try to keep busy?
  83. What makes you laugh?
  84. What books have influenced you the most?
  85. What is one thing your loved on taught you? How can you teach it to others?
  86. Do you wear your heart on your sleeve or bottle up your emotions? Do you wish you were the opposite?
  87. Are there places you go because it reminds you of good times you had with your loved one?
  88. Do you have regrets?
  89. How have you changed?
  90. What has been the most helpful in dealing with your loss?
  91. Have you questioned your purpose and goals in life?
  92. Do you suppress your feelings?
  93. Did you go back to work? How long until you went? How did you manage?
  94. Has your grief journey given you new perspectives?
  95. How you isolated yourself in your grief?
  96. What did your loved one most appreciate about you?
  97. What is one word to describe your mood now?
  98. Did you lose your identity when you lost your loved one?
  99. What do you miss most?
  100. What would you like to change in this world?
  101. Describe your path in life right now.
  102. Have you found comfort in unexpected places?
  103. What is the difference between living and existing?
  104. What are the 3 most beautiful things in the world to you, and why?
  105. Share your story. Encourage others. You're not alone!
  106. What impact do you want to leave on the world?
  107. What is your biggest fear?
  108. What do you love to do?
  109. Were you with your loved one when they passed?
  110. What place do you most associate with your loved one? Is that a place you now visit or avoid?
  111. Do you choose happiness or leave it to chance?
  112. Who are you becoming?
  113. Where was the happiest place you spent time together with your loved one?
  114. What small thing might you do today to honor the person you are missing?
  115. Share 2 words only - about anything!
  116. Can you use your experience to help others?
  117. My truth is...
  118. Where do you find inspiration?
  119. What were your loved one's passions?
  120. Are you struggling with sleeping?
  121. What was your loved one's nickname?
  122. What would be helpful to you right now?
  123. What types of changes in your life did you have to make after the loss of your loved one?
  124. Where do you find beauty in the valley of grief?
  125. Has your faith been challenged or strengthened in your grief?
  126. Do you have a favorite picture or story to share?
  127. What helps you have a great day?
  128. Do you reach out to others outside your family for support?
  129. Were you able to say goodbye? If not, what would you say?
  130. What do you think your loved one would say to you now?
  131. What three emotions are you feeling right now?
  132. Where do you find strength?
  133. Does your life feel like this?
  134. Do you live in the past, present, or future?
  135. Are you a grief introvert or extrovert? What is your language of comfort?
  136. How do you deal with anger?
  137. What physical symptoms have developed in your grief?
  138. Have you attended a support group? Was it helpful?
  139. What 3 things are you thankful for right now?
  140. Do you think you can find joy again?
  141. Today, I'm surprised that I feel...
  142. What are 3 things you have learned in your grief?
  143. Do you have a healing place?
  144. What are some ways deal with the guilt you feel?
  145. Do you feel hopeful for the future?
  146. Have you dreamed about your loved one? Can you share the dream with us?
  147. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
  148. Do you believe "Love Never Fails"?
  149. Where is God in your story?
  150. What five things do you miss the most about your loved one?
  151. How do you think your loved one would want to be remembered?
  152. Do you ever wish the world would stop and let you rest?
  153. Do you have a friend or family member that pulls you along?
  154. Has your loss given you courage or more fear?
  155. What is your new normal?
  156. How can you help someone today?
  157. How can others best support you in your grief?
  158. How can you get involved in your community?
  159. Do you find comfort in being alone, or with others?
  160. Do you believe in the power of forgiveness?
  161. What song has been healing in your grief?
  162. How have you dealt with birthdays, holidays, and angelversaries?
  163. Share your favorite picture.
  164. What is the best advice or wisdom you have received on your grief journey?
  165. What you don't know is...
  166. Are simple tasks difficult?
  167. What sustains you, when all else falls away?
  168. Are you taking care of yourself? Sleep, food, exercise?
  169. What is the biggest frustration you're facing now?
  170. What gives you peace?
  171. What were your loved one's hopes and dreams?
  172. Do you have any traditions to honor your loved one?
  173. How would you describe your life in a seven word sentence?
  174. Is time flying by, or does each day seem to last forever?
  175. What would you say to someone who just lost a loved one yesterday?
  176. Do you feel isolated?
  177. Do you ask for help or wait for help?
  178. Do you feel like there are no answers, but many questions?
  179. Have you felt God's presence in the darkness?
  180. Share your loss story and a picture.
  181. Do you wish Heaven had visiting hours?
  182. What is one thing that makes you laugh out loud when you think of your loved one?
  183. What did you most admire about your loved one?
  184. Do you believe that time heals all wounds?
  185. What makes you smile when you remember your loved one?
  186. Have you allowed yourself to pursue and feel positive emotions?
  187. What did you accomplish today that surprised you?
  188. What is the best advice you ever received?
  189. Have you found a new awareness about yourself since your loss?
  190. What things do you think are beautiful?
  191. What is the best thing to say to a newly bereaved person?
  192. What are some Bible verses that have helped you on your grief journey?
  193. What are some of the blessings you have received during your grief?
  194. What is a positive change you need to make in your life today?
  195. A color that makes me think of you is ______.
  196. How can you be comforted in your grief?
  197. To be more compassionate toward myself, I am willing to try...
  198. Let's connect!
  199. Has your faith helped you on your grief journey?
  200. What are two ways you can flourish tomorrow despite what has happened?
  201. I'm having a hard time with...
  202. What's on your heart?
  203. What are some things that can help those who are grieving?
  204. I can honor my loved one by...
  205. How can you share hope?
  206. Have you isolated yourself in your grief?
  207. What brings you the most joy in life?
  208. What is your grief language? (Talking, reading, watching, listening, etc.)
  209. Let's laugh together! Share a joke or funny story.
  210. What are the greatest lessons your loved one(s) taught you?
  211. Share helpful web articles, blog posts, and websites related to grief and loss.
  212. I could use some more...
  213. What is something you can do now to help you with your grieving process?
  214. I wish someone would say...
  215. How do you spend your days/nights?
  216. My support system includes...
  217. How do you handle the valleys?
  218. How do you serve others?
  219. What words have helped you in your grief?
  220. Do you reach out to family and friends for comfort, but also give yourself permission for some alone time?
  221. Have you given or received random acts of kindness?
  222. Have you found your faith or religion comforting?
  223. Have you read books written by others who have coped with the loss of a loved one?
  224. Have you taken care of yourself physically and emotionally? How?
  225. Do you forgive yourself when you make mistakes, become distracted, can't remember or understand?
  226. Have you relinquished avoidance and learned to face your fears by engaging in life?
  227. Have you expressed difficult feelings through writing and talking to supportive others? Have you used journaling, reflective writing, letter or poetry writing, or other expressive arts of scrap-booking, dance, or music?
  228. Do you have a place where you have commemorated your loved one's life with words, pictures, things?
  229. Have you become involved in a cause as a way to fulfill a legacy or mission?
  230. Have you established boundaries by limiting people, or things that cause you stress or overwhelming feelings?
  231. Do you think of yourself as a survivor or thriver in your story, rather than a victim? Do you remind yourself of your strengths and of all the hard times that you have gotten through in the past?
  232. Have you connected with animals and nature?
  233. Do you tell people how much you loved, admired, and cared for your loved one?
  234. Have you cared for or nurtured others (spouse, children, family, or friends)?
  235. Have you shared your story with others who would appreciate or benefit from it?
  236. Have you established routines of daily living? Have you maintained personal hygiene, medical care, healthy nutrition, and regular sleep?
  237. What words or thoughts helped your healing this week?
  238. Storytelling is an important part of the grief process. We're here to listen!
  239. Is it possible that you have choices no matter how hard life is?
  240. Do you feel guilty if you laugh or have a happy moment?
  241. What meaningful possessions have you saved?
  242. Have you reached out to help an support others who are grieving for their loved ones?
  243. Have you asked for forgiveness, shared joys and sorrows, or constructed a farewell message?
  244. Have you written a letter to your loved one?
  245. Have you allowed yourself to pursue and feel positive emotions, such as compassion toward yourself and others, expressions of gratitude, and emotions of love, joy, awe, and hopefulness?
  246. Have you had negative thoughts? Do you think they are helpful or slow your progress?
  247. Have you established a safe and comforting space, either physically or through imagery?
  248. How often do you visit the grave site? How long do you stay?
  249. Have you planted a tree in memory of your loved one? (share a picture)
  250. Have you found or lost yourself in your grief?
  251. What activities are helpful to you on your grief journey?
  252. Some of the greatest works of art, literature, and music have been created by people who were expressing their pain in a creative fashion. What might you do?
  253. Can you get outside in the fresh air and sunshine for a walk today? Take a picture and tell us about your thoughts from the walk.
  254. Do you feel that your grief journey is a time to be strong or a time fo patience and surrender?
  255. What new hobby or interest would you consider starting or learning about?
  256. How do you relax and recharge?
  257. What do you think about treating yourself to a massage, pedicure, movie, nap, favorite dessert, or whatever else you enjoy?
  258. Have you connected with your faith community?
  259. Do you take breaks and give yourself permission to rest knowing that grieving takes time and patience?
  260. Are there activities, places, or things that you are avoiding due to fear of your grief reactions?
  261. Are you focusing on what is most important?
  262. Does prayer and focusing on the grace of God bring you peace and comfort?
  263. Have you found the simple tasks of daily living difficult to accomplish?
  264. Do you give yourself time to grieve?
  265. What is the best advice you ever received?
  266. What things do you think are beautiful?
  267. A color that make me think of you is...
  268. To be more compassionate toward myself, I am willing to try...
  269. I am ready to feel...
  270. What is something you are optimistic about?
  271. I'm having a hard time with...
  272. I can honor my loved one by...
  273. What brings you the most joy in life?
  274. I could use some more...
  275. I wish someone would say...
  276. My support system includes...
  277. What choices must you make to grow through your loss?
  278. Can all of these coexist? Darkness and Light? Sorrow and Joy? Anger and Love? Despair and Hope? Death and Life?
  279. What do you think that people hope to gain when comparing one loss to another?
  280. Do you feel that you have the power to choose the direction of your life?
  281. What discoveries about yourself have become clear during your time of sorrow?
  282. Have you experienced gifts of grace in the midst of your pain?
  283. Do you think you can ever feel that your life is good? Do you want to?
  284. Does the reality of Heaven make a difference in your experience of loss?
  285. What gives you hope when your pain overwhelms you?
  286. Have you experienced a confusion of identity?
  287. Have you experienced a gift of love during your grief?
  288. How have you come to terms with your unanswered questions?