Book excerpt: The Day My Heart Turned Blue Bereavement Companion Journal The Day My Heart Turned Blue Bereavement Companion Journal is meant to complement Karla J. Noland’s book, The Day My Heart Turned Blue: Healing After the Loss of My Mother. However, it can also be used on its own to guide you on your bereavement journey. The purpose of the companion journal is to guide the bereaved through the process of healing, reflecting, and honoring their parent so they can move forward. The journal is composed of three parts: Part 1: Embracing Your Emotions. This section will walk you through a cathartic experience of identifying and releasing the range of powerful emotions triggered by the loss of a parent. Grief cannot be stifled or rushed. You need to allow yourself to experience all of the emotions in order to get to the other side. And you get to decide what the other side of grief looks like for you. Part 2: Self-Care for a Grieving Heart. This section outlines the four steps of bereavement self-care that can help you heal from a wounded heart. Grief can have an unshakeable hold on your heart when you lose a loved one. Mourning ensues because your heart is devastated, and you realize that what was no longer is. Fortunately, with proper care, a wounded heart can heal. Part 3: Honoring your Loved One. This section will coach you through the process of moving forward by celebrating your loved one’s heavenly birthday, getting through the holiday season, and turning your pain into purpose. You can view life from a new perspective as you heal, one that is full of hope and inspiration. In between each chapter of the companion journal, you will find self-check-ins that prompt you to perform emotional checkups on yourself. The check-ins are designed to provide you with valuable personal insight into your current emotional state and allow you to reflect on the progress you’ve made. Remember that you are the author of your life. Your journal should be unapologetically raw and honest, no matter how difficult the pain is right now. When you pour your heart out on paper, you shine a light on the darkest emotions you may experience due to your grief. You might even consider turning this journal into a memoir documenting your healing journey after your parent’s death. Some days, it may feel like you’re climbing a relentless mountain with an enormous amount of weight on your back. Be encouraged. Your life may feel like a mess, but this so-called mess will give way to an inspirational message for you to share to encourage others. May the therapeutic power of journaling in The Day My Heart Turned Blue Bereavement Companion Journal allow you to reveal the areas in your life where you need to heal the most, so you can move from surviving grief to thriving in life.