Best thing to do when grieving is to help others

Mar 25 2011

We all know celebrities. We tend to think of stars as part of our families. So when a famous person dies, grief is inevitable.

Aurora Winter, founder of the Grief Coach Academy, has some advice in the wake of Elizabeth Taylor's death.

"Often the best thing we can do when we are grieving is to help others. We can take actions in honor of our loved one. Elizabeth Taylor made a real difference with her life. Death is inevitable. Making a significant difference is not. Choose to live so that your life - like Elizabeth Taylor's - will leave a lasting legacy," said Aurora Winter.

"Give. Always remember to give, and your life will make a difference," said Elizabeth Taylor. Good advice. Elizabeth Taylor raised awareness for AIDS long before that was popular. She stood by her friends in tough times, including Rock Hudson and Michael Jackson. She made a hospice in her home for friends who were dying.

Knowing that death is inevitable can inspire you to live your best life. "Consider what you'd like people to say about you at your funeral, and then live your life to authentically fulfill your own inspiring eulogy," said Aurora.

"Elizabeth Taylor was an icon. But she was also a very real woman. Let her life and her death inspire you. Death is at your elbow. So choose to make a difference now, while your heart is still beating. You may think you don't have time, that you're too busy. But when death comes for you, all your appointments will be cancelled," said Aurora.

Like Elizabeth Taylor, Aurora was also a young widow. Aurora's book "From Heartbreak to Happiness" reveals her process of healing after her husband died suddenly, leaving her widowed at the age of 31.

"Stop underestimating the difference that you can make," said Aurora. "Pick up the phone and connect with your friends, family, and community. Show people that you care. Support others who are going through a difficult time, such as dealing with a death, divorce, job loss or another heartbreaking challenge."

Gratitude is also key to grief recovery. "Take five minutes and write a heart-felt thank you card to people who have made a significant difference to you - your mentors, parents, teachers, and friends," said Aurora.

Having an inspiring vision for your life can change despair into productive, satisfying action. "Live your life full out, with passion and purpose, as Elizabeth Taylor did. And your life, like hers, will make a significant difference," said Aurora.

Choosing to live a life that makes a difference is one of the best ways to heal grief. In summary, here are five things you can do today to achieve that goal:

1) Consider what you'd like people to say about you at your funeral

2) Take one action each day in alignment with your inspiring obituary

3) Help others through challenges

4) Thank your mentors

5) Live with vision, passion and purpose

"Elizabeth Taylor touched millions during her life. My hope is that her death inspires you to your own greatness," says Aurora Winter, founder of the Grief Coach Academy.

Aurora helps people overcome their own grief and regain happiness. She trains coaches how to help others. The next coach training seminar is April 8 - 10. By following a step-by-step action plan, people are empowered to release their grief quickly and methodically.

"If I can go from heartbreak to happiness, you can, too," says Aurora.