Father's Day is not a happy day for everyone. Dealing with the loss of your father is one of the most difficult challenges in life. Especially on a day like Father's Day, it can be particularly painful that your father is no longer there or that you have no contact with him anymore.
Even if Father's Day can bring painful feelings, it's still an opportunity to honour your dad on this day. If you feel lonely or sad on Father's Day, here are 6 ways to comfort yourself.
Your closest friends and family members will understand your feelings. Talk about your father and valuable memories. Or simply enjoy the presence of trusted people if you don't feel like talking and thinking. Prefer to be alone? Journaling about your feelings might be nice to work through your emotions and gaining control over them.
Give yourself a dose of self-care this day, whatever that may be for you. Treat yourself to a spa day, take a long walk in the nature, cook your favourite meal and watch a movie, workout at the gym or visit your favourite café with a good book. Or treat yourself to a bouquet of beautiful flowers for your home.
You may want to take time to jot down your thoughts and feelings. It can help to accept and make sense of the painful loss and absence of your father. Write down how you feel that day to share your emotions with her. Writing will help you work through your feelings and eventually heal.
Perhaps there are other fathers or father figures in your life that you would like to show your appreciation to on this day. For example, celebrate your uncle, best friend, neighbour, father-in-law or brother. Show them how much they mean to you and express your gratitude for their support.
A change of scenery can give comfort and bring you in a new mindset. Plan a short trip over Father's Day, alone or with someone whose company you enjoy. Where have you always wanted to go? A city trip, hiking in the mountains or enjoying the sun on the beach? Of course, you don't need to travel far to enjoy the positive effects of a short holiday. A trip to place nearby is just as nice.
Flowers and plants are a wonderful way to express appreciation and affection. Visit your father's grave or another place that reminds you of your dad and honour him with a bouquet of his favourite flowers or plants. Rather honour your dad from home? Then order the flowers or plants and deliver them to your home, and enjoy them on his behalf.
Words can be a pleasant source of comfort. Here are a few quotes and sayings that you can use to remember your dad, to write down for him or they can simply offer comfort as you read them.
"I look up into the sky and think of you."
"Dad, I think about you every day but today in particular. I miss you."
"Dad, it is still YOUR day and I send you my love to heaven."
"The bonds of love will not be cut through by death." (Thomas Mann)
"The most beautiful thing a person can leave behind is a smile on the face of those who think of them."
"What one carries in his heart, can not be lost by death." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
"Sadness flies away on the wings of time." (Jean de la Fontaine)