Grief is one of life’s most profound experiences, one that no human can escape. It is woven into the fabric of our existence, touching us in ways we often don’t expect. We grieve the loss of loved ones, the loss of jobs, the dreams we once held for ourselves, and even the time we feel has slipped through our fingers.

When these losses occur, society tells us to pause, to mourn, and then to move forward. But grief rarely follows such a straightforward path. Instead, it lingers, appearing in quiet moments, during a celebration our loved one should have attended, or in a passing memory of what could have been.

Grief sneaks up on you, doesn’t it? One moment, you’re smiling, and the next, a song, a smell, or a stray thought brings an ache so sharp it takes your breath away. And that’s okay. Grief isn’t something you can neatly package and set aside; it demands to be felt.

It demands to be acknowledged. The truth is, grief is messy, unpredictable, and deeply personal. No two people grieve the same way, and no one should expect you to fit into their idea of what your healing should look like.

So, how do we live with grief when it feels so heavy? First, we allow ourselves to feel it. It’s okay to cry, to rage, to sit quietly and simply miss what or who is no longer there. These feelings don’t make you weak; they make you human. And it’s okay to lean on others—friends, family, or even strangers who understand your pain. Grief shared is grief lightened, even if just for a moment.

Finding ways to honor what you’ve lost can also bring solace. Light a candle, keep a journal, or visit a place that holds memories. These rituals don’t erase the pain, but they can create a space for connection and healing.

And when the world feels too overwhelming, remember to care for your body. Grief is exhausting. Rest when you need to. Eat even if you don’t feel like it. Take a walk to clear your mind. It’s the small acts of self-care that often carry us through the hardest days.

Some days, you might even find joy again—a quiet laugh, a fleeting moment of peace. And that’s okay, too. Feeling happiness doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten or that your grief is invalid. It means you’re learning to carry it differently.

Over time, grief doesn’t leave us, but it changes. It softens. It becomes a part of us, a reminder of the love we had, the dreams we held, and the lives we touched.

Moving forward doesn’t mean moving on. It means learning to live with the ache while still finding beauty in the world. It’s about letting grief be a testament to what mattered most to us. And as you walk this journey, remember you don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to keep going, one day, one moment at a time.

Allowing yourself to heal at our own pace. Grief changes us, but it also reminds us of the depth of our capacity to love—and that love is what ultimately gives us the strength to move forward.