Do you own an inspiring symbol of hope or peace of mind? Do you use it as a cue to increase your self-awareness and alter the way you feel at any given moment? The great psychologist Carl Jung once wrote: “Only symbolic life can express the need of the soul, the daily need of the soul, mind you!” Everyone has needs of the soul, especially when grieving. Wearing a personal symbol will help you fill this deep inner need and will have an immense effect on the focus of your mental life.

Symbols carry great meaning when grieving, and are powerful sources to draw upon in coping with loss. Visual reminders and images have always been powerful motivators and energizers. Archibald MacLeish, American poet and Pulitzer Prize winner, has argued that we are moved more by symbols than by ideas. A personal symbol will alert you to do something about your current condition; It will give direction to your life. Use it to get you out of a downward spiral spin.

Choose a symbol that reminds you of the beliefs, goals, new skills, behaviors, or routines you want to establish. Or, you can use it as a sign to drop unfinished business, any conflict you had with the deceased, or to say a prayer or repeat an important affirmation. The color, shape and material of the symbol can also be used to remind spiritual truths and specific events that stimulate inspiring thoughts.

Anyone can learn to find comfort through the use of motivational symbols, which are essentially reminders to change behavior. The key to success in using them is twofold: choose the appropriate visual reminder for what you want to accomplish, and develop the awareness to immediately employ the optimistic response you associate with it, in the moment of need. If you change your current state of focus, you will actually control feelings and emotions.

Here is a partial list of suggestions of possible symbols you can choose from.

1. A quote from your favorite author. Over 40 years ago, I read a book called The Heart of a Champion, by Olympic pole vault champion Bob Richards. Here’s a quote I’ve always remembered: “The determining factor in life is not ability, it’s what you believe you can do. You can expand every aspect of your being if you put in the dedication.”

2. A favorite memory captured on canvas, drawn or sketched.

3. Anything that was owned by the deceased or purchased for yourself.

4. An emblem designed with a personal message that only you will know its meaning. Here is an example: IWALU (I will always love you).

5. Frame a line or two of a poem to hang in a special place in your home or office. One of my favorites is Will by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850-1919) and these three lines:

There is no luck, no fate, no fate,

Can circumvent, hinder or control

The firm resolutions of a determined soul.

6. A quilt made from clothing worn by the loved one.

7. A heart-shaped stone or other stone found on the seashore. Order it, or any small object you like, put it in Lucite and place it on a shelf or table.

8. A photo of a place you visited with your loved one or a clipping from a magazine.

9. A zipper clip attached to a coat zipper or key ring.

10. Pocket chips.

The deaths of loved ones leave a lasting mark, and your loss will force you to become a more whole person, wiser, and more understanding of the need for love, discovery, and changing vision. The symbols will put you in touch with that inherent wisdom while nourishing your spirit. So take the time to use your imaginative force and create a symbol that will stir your depths and strengthen your inner life.