Dear MOTIVATION: My mother’s passing last year has left me feeling numb and heartbroken. As I navigate this new year, I want to honor her memory while trying to keep my family’s spirits high. I know I will need to take better care of myself and my health to achieve and maintain these goals. It is difficult to smile when I feel such pain and the feeling of being alone without my mom. How can I celebrate her life and maintain my well-being without losing sight of my grief and healing? — HEARTBROKEN IN INDIANA

DEAR HEARTBROKEN: First, my sincere condolences to you and your family for the loss of your mother. Allow yourself to grieve; healing takes time, and it’s okay to feel and work your way through the pain of loss. Engage in activities that bring joy, reminding yourself that your mother would want you to find happiness. To honor your mother, create a memory book or plant a tree in her name. By doing this, you celebrate her life while acknowledging and navigating your emotions. Intentionally increase the self-care practices in your daily routine: take walks, meditate, reflect on memories that make you smile, look at and enjoy pictures of your mom, and find joy in small moments with family. Share your feelings with loved ones; they, too, are navigating this loss. It’s also important to understand that you can hold on to your grief while also cherishing memories and taking care of yourself. Finding a balance between the two can help you smile from ear to ear again, knowing she lives on in your heart. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate this new chapter.