You’ve survived the first year of grief—and that in itself is a feat.. You’ve cried the deep tears, sat through the heavy silences, and faced the “firsts” without the one person you never imagined living without. That first year is hard…
But now what?
The intense daily pain has eased a little, but life still doesn’t feel right. You’re not drowning anymore, but you’re also not quite living. People assume you’re okay. Some days, maybe you are. Other days, not even close.
This season is quieter, less chaotic—but no less important. This is the season of rebuilding.
Not by doing anything huge or dramatic. But by taking small steps. By adding daily practices that slowly bring comfort, grounding, and even a spark of purpose back into your life.
🌄 Start With Your Morning (It Sets the Tone)
You don’t need an Instagram-worthy morning routine. Just a few gentle anchors can make a huge difference in how your day begins.
Try this:
- Open the curtains. Let light in. Acknowledge the new day with a deep breath.
- Whisper a prayer. It can be as simple as, “Help me today.”
- Read a short scripture. One verse is enough—let it sit with you for a few minutes.
- Write a thought. Keep a journal by your bed and jot down a single feeling, memory, or intention for the day.
These aren’t tasks—they’re tools to help you feel more present and connected.
🧺 Pick 3 Simple Tasks to Complete Each Day
When life still feels fragile or uncertain, the simple act of choosing three things to do—and completing them—can give you a sense of focus and accomplishment.
They don’t have to be impressive. Some days it might look like:
- Wash the dishes
- Call a friend
- Read a chapter of a book
Other days it might include:
- Take a short walk
- Tidy a drawer
- Cook a meal just for you
Choose three small actions that will nourish your body, calm your mind, or lift your spirit. Progress comes from consistency—not intensity.
🕯 Create Gentle Evening Wind-Down Moments
Nights can still be hard. They’re often quiet, and that quiet can feel like a void. This is where a comforting evening rhythm helps.
Ideas to try:
- Light a candle and express gratitude for one thing from your day.
- Write in a journal—What did I feel today? What helped?
- Pray aloud or silently, giving your worries to the Lord before you sleep.
- Listen to calming music or a peaceful podcast—especially something spiritual that reminds you you’re not alone.
- Write down three things you are grateful for today. – this is a powerful way to remind yourself that life is good.
Routines aren’t just for structure—they’re for emotional safety.
🌿 What to Do When You Feel Stuck
Even with routines, there will still be days where everything feels flat. You may ask yourself, “Is this it? Is this my life now?”
That’s okay.
You’re not broken—you’re healing. And healing is messy. It doesn’t move in straight lines. On those stuck days, go back to the smallest step:
- Breathe
- Pray
- Drink water
- Sit in the sun
- Read one verse
- Do one thing
And then remind yourself: This is enough for today.
🤝 Helping Others Can Help You Heal
As you slowly rebuild, one of the most powerful steps you can take is to support someone else.. You don’t need to be a therapist. Just a friend. A witness. A listener.
Ways to gently help others:
- Send a message to someone in early grief: “Thinking of you today. No pressure to reply.”
- Share one thing that helped you. (A journal, a song, a scripture.)
- Invite someone to go on a walk or attend an activity with you.
- Offer to pray with or for them.
Helping doesn’t mean you’re fully healed. It means you remember how dark it felt—and you want to hold a bit of light for someone else.
✨ God Is in the Small Things
Sometimes we look for healing in big answers or dramatic changes. But most of the time, God works through the small and simple things.
Scripture reminds us:
“By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.” – Alma 37:6
Your quiet prayers. The warm drink. Choosing to get up again. Going for a walk outside, breathing deep, reading one verse—these are sacred acts of rebuilding.
💛 You’re Already Doing It
If you’re reading this, you’re already taking a step forward. You’re showing up for yourself. You’re willing to keep growing, even when it’s hard. And that matters.
You don’t have to leap. You don’t have to be “over it.”
You just have to keep moving—one small step at a time.
Small steps. Real progress. That’s how you begin to live again.
If you would like more support, or someone to talk with about what you can do, contact me for a free chat about how I can help you. Email me at info@kaybayly.com
Love Kay