Grief Isn’t One Size Fits All

Let’s talk about grief—really talk about it.

Grief is not just about death.

It’s about loss. And loss shows up in many forms.

It can be the passing of a loved one.

It can be the loss of health, independence, a relationship, a job, or the life you thought you were going to live. Sometimes it’s all of the above.

What I’ve learned is this: grief doesn’t follow rules, timelines, or neat stages. You don’t move through it in order. You don’t “finish” it. You carry it—and some days you carry it well, and other days it feels heavier than expected.

You can be functional and still grieving.

You can laugh and still ache.

You can show up for others while quietly tending to your own wounds.

Grief lives in the body as much as it lives in the heart. It affects sleep, energy, patience, and focus. It shows up in unexpected moments—through memories, anniversaries, conversations, or even in the act of standing beside someone else who is hurting.

And here’s the part we don’t say enough:

There is no right way to grieve.

Some people cry.

Some people go quiet.

Some people stay busy.

Some people need space.

Some people need connection.

All of it is valid.

Healing doesn’t mean forgetting. It means learning how to live with what’s been lost while still allowing space for love, connection, and meaning. It means giving yourself grace when grief resurfaces—because it will.

If you’re grieving something right now, know this: you’re not weak, broken, or behind. You’re human. And grief is simply love with nowhere to go.

Be gentle with yourself.

And be gentle with others—you never really know what someone is carrying.