Living with Grief
Grief is not a straight road. It’s not something we “get over” or “move on” from — despite what well-meaning friends and family suggest. Grief changes us. It’s the quiet shadow that walks beside us and other times crashing into like an angry wave.
Whether you've lost a loved one, a relationship, a job, or even future dreams, grief lives in the spaces where love and stability once bloomed. It’s messy, personal, and unpredictable.
What Grief Actually Looks Like
You might expect tears, sadness, and maybe numbness. But you might experience anger, forgetfulness, laughter that feels out of place, or sleepless nights or sleeping too much.
Grief can feel like:
Deep fatigue that lingers for weeks or months
A sense of disconnection or disorientation
Irritability, anxiety, or emotional flooding
Unexpected moments of joy or relief — followed by guilt
This is all normal. Grief doesn’t follow rules. There’s no “right” way to feel or experience grief.
The Pressure to Be "Okay"
In a world that moves at light speed, grief is often met with silence or avoidance. People may avoid the topic, change the subject, or expect you to be “back to normal” after a certain amount of time. But healing doesn’t happen on a schedule.
You are allowed to grieve on your own timeline. It's okay to “not be okay”.
Honoring the Loss
Grief asks us to honor what (or who) we’ve lost — not to forget it/them. That could mean:
Creating rituals or altars
Journaling memories or conversations
Talking to a therapist
Joining a grief group
Simply making space to feel without judgment
Grief is love.
If You’re Grieving Right Now…
Name What You’re Feeling:
Practice mindfulness/grounding techniques
Set mini goals (take a shower, go outside for 5 minutes etc)
Grant yourself permission to rest
Connect with others
Seek a support group and/or therapy
“Grief is the price we pay for love.”