Coping with Grief and Loss

Grief is one of life’s most profound and painful experiences. It often just hits when we least expect it—sudden, powerful, and overwhelming. Whether you’ve lost a loved one, a relationship, a dream, or a part of yourself, grief changes you. It’s not just something you “get over”; it’s something you learn to carry.

If you’re grieving right now, this post is for you. Not to give answers, but to offer gentle reminders that you’re not alone, and that healing, though slow and non-linear, is possible.

There’s No Right Way to Grieve

Grief doesn’t follow a script. It doesn’t show up the same way for everyone. Some people cry. Some get quiet. Others feel numb, angry, or strangely calm. Some distract themselves with work, while others retreat. However you’re feeling—it’s okay.

One of the kindest things you can do for yourself is to release the pressure to “grieve properly.” There’s no timeline, no checklist. There’s just your heart, learning how to live with something it never asked for.

The Importance of Letting Yourself Feel

It can be tempting to try and avoid the pain—to stay busy, to push it down, to tell yourself to “be strong.” But grief doesn’t disappear when we ignore it. It waits.

Letting yourself feel the full spectrum—sadness, anger, guilt, longing, even moments of laughter—is a crucial part of healing. Emotions are not problems to solve; they are invitations to be present.

Finding Anchors in the Storm

In times of loss, the world can feel unsteady. Try to find small, steadying rituals that bring comfort: a walk outside, a hot cup of tea, journaling, lighting a candle, listening to music that speaks to your soul. These acts won’t erase the pain, but they can offer a sense of grounding—a quiet place to rest inside the chaos.

Sometimes, even breathing—just focusing on one breath at a time—is enough.

Grief and Love Are Intertwined

It hurts because you loved. And that love doesn’t go away with loss. In many ways, grief is love looking for a new place to go. Some find comfort in creating new rituals to honor that love: writing letters, planting a tree, telling stories, keeping something that belonged to the one you lost.

There’s no “moving on”—there’s only moving forward, with love still woven into the journey.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Grief can feel isolating, even when surrounded by people. But connection—genuine, compassionate connection—is so important. Talk to someone you trust. Reach out to a support group. See a therapist.

You deserve support. You deserve to be held, to be heard, to not have to be “strong” all the time.

Be gentle with yourself. You’re doing something incredibly hard—learning how to live in a world that has changed, while holding onto the memories, love, and pieces of someone or something deeply cherished.

Healing doesn’t mean forgetting. It means allowing joy and sorrow to coexist. It means carrying your grief with grace, one breath, one day at a time.

You are not broken. You are grieving. And that is sacred work.

If you would like to see how we can help, book a FREE 10 minute intake call here: Contact – Psychotherapist, Marriage Counselor, LMFT: NYC, Manhattan (embracingjoy.com)