“Carrying forward” includes you—make space for their memory and your life, together. 

Journal prompt: “A way to honor them by honoring me is…”

“Carrying forward” includes you. Today we make room for their memory and your life—together.

A Flicker (Hope) — Connection counts
Their song in a store aisle. A phrase they loved. A photo you pass without bracing. These are ties, not traps. Let one connection feel like company.

To Rebuild (Healing) — A 3-step carry-forward ritual

1. Name: Say their name out loud.
2. Touchstone: Light a candle, play 30 seconds of “their” song, or hold an item.
3. Include: Name one thing you need today (water, rest, fresh air). Do it next.

Take a Step (Becoming) — The “and” sentence
Write one sentence that holds both: “I miss you and I’m making soup,” “I’m aching and I’m paying this bill,” “I’m tearful and I’m taking a walk.” Put it somewhere visible.

Choose-your-energy menu:

•  Hollow (low): Whisper their name and yours. Place a hand on your chest.
•  Healing (medium): Do the 3-step ritual once today.
•  Becoming (higher): Share your “and” sentence with a safe person or in a notes app check-in.

Food for Thought Today:
Love doesn’t demand your disappearance to prove itself. Carrying them forward means building a life sturdy enough to hold their memory without collapsing—and that requires including your needs. Each small “and” you live is a quiet refusal to choose between love and survival. Both belong.

Exhale. Keep what serves you; leave the rest. I’ll be here again tomorrow. 💜

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