Rising from the Ashes: A Compassionate Journey Through Grief

When I looked up what is the actual definition of grief, the first thing that popped up was "deep sorrow," but then right below that was "trouble or annoyance," and I wondered if my body ever truly understood the difference between the two.

Grief is an emotion that is both personal and universal. At some point in our lives, we all experience it, but it always feels like our own unique journey. The reality is, it sucks. It's a feeling that can be all-consuming, and it can leave us feeling helpless and powerless.

But, as difficult as it may be, it's important to face our grief head-on. We can't run from it or pretend it doesn't exist. We have to acknowledge it for what it is - a deep sense of sorrow and loss.

For me, grief has come in many forms. I've lost family members, friends, and even jobs. And every time, it has felt like a punch to the gut. But I've also learned that grief is not just about the things we lose. It's also about the sense of control we lose.

In the face of grief, it's easy to feel like we've lost control of our lives. We feel like we're at the mercy of our emotions, and we're not sure how to move forward. But the truth is, we still have some control. We can choose how we respond to our grief.

One of the most important things we can do is to recognize that it sucks. We have to give ourselves permission to feel the pain and to acknowledge the depth of our emotions. This is not the time to be dismissive or to minimize what we're going through.

It's also important to acknowledge that it hurts. This may seem like an obvious statement, but it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and to forget just how much pain we're in. We have to find a way to let the feeling exist within us, to sit with it and to give it the space it needs.

Of course, we don't have to face our grief alone. Seeking help is an important part of the process. This may mean reaching out to a therapist or counselor, but it could also mean finding support in other ways. For me, I've found solace in books, movies, and even just talking to a trusted friend. The key is to find what works for you and to lean into it.

Finally, it's important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to navigate grief. It's a messy, complicated, and deeply personal experience. But as long as we're finding healthy ways to acknowledge our grief and to find a new way to live, we're doing it right.

Grief is a difficult journey, but it's also an important one. It's a reminder of our humanity and our capacity to love deeply. We don't have to be afraid of it, and we don't have to face it alone. With the right tools and the right support, we can find our way through the pain and come out stronger on the other side.