Grief
Understanding Grief: Healing in Your Own Time
Grief is a natural and deeply human response to loss. It is love with nowhere to go. It shows up when someone we care about is gone, but also when life changes in ways we did not expect. Grief can come from the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a dream, a home, or even a version of ourselves that no longer exists.
There is no right way to grieve. Each person’s experience is unique, shaped by culture, beliefs, relationships, and life story. What matters most is giving yourself permission to feel what is true for you.
The Many Faces of Grief
Grief does not follow a straight path. Some days may bring tears, while others bring numbness or even laughter. Healing is not about “getting over it” but learning how to live with what has changed.
Grief can appear as:
Sadness, anger, or guilt
Trouble concentrating or remembering things
Changes in sleep or appetite
Emotional numbness or feeling disconnected
A deep longing or emptiness
All of these reactions are normal. They are your heart’s way of trying to make sense of what has happened.
The Myths of Grief
Society often tells us to “move on” or “stay strong.” Yet real strength comes from allowing yourself to feel. Grief is not something to fix. It is something to carry, and over time, it can transform.
Some common myths include:
“Time heals all wounds.” Time helps, but healing comes from processing and honoring your emotions.
“I should be over it by now.” There is no timeline for grief. Healing takes as long as it takes.
“I have to be strong for others.” You can be strong and still need support. Vulnerability is not weakness.
Ways to Support Your Healing
There is no single path to healing, but there are gentle steps that can help you find comfort and meaning.
Give yourself permission to grieve. Let yourself feel what comes up, without judgment. Your emotions are valid.
Create rituals of remembrance. Light a candle, visit a special place, or share stories. Rituals help you stay connected while finding peace.
Take care of your body. Grief lives in the body. Rest, eat nourishing foods, and move gently when you can.
Seek connection. Talking with loved ones, joining support groups, or speaking with a therapist can remind you that you are not alone.
Allow joy when it appears. Laughter and moments of peace do not mean you have forgotten. They mean healing is beginning to take root.
The Role of Therapy
Therapy can provide a safe and compassionate space to explore grief in all its forms. It can help you name what you are feeling, release guilt or anger, and find ways to carry your memories with love.
A trauma-informed approach honors your cultural background, beliefs, and traditions. It recognizes that grief can reopen old wounds and that healing must include both mind and body.
Honoring Your Journey
Grief changes us. It teaches us about love, vulnerability, and resilience. It reminds us that every ending carries echoes of what was beautiful and meaningful. Healing does not mean forgetting. It means learning to hold love and loss side by side.
