Grief
Oh grief how silently it comes …without warning… without expectations. Regardless of how many times we have experienced grief, each experience is quite unique leaving a distinct mark within our existence. Feelings of sadness, anger, confusion, and deep hurt overcome our mundane existence, which leaves us feeling isolated and unable to connect at times.
The interesting thing about grief is that it's not selective to death, but rather we experience grief in many forms. For example, a divorce, the loss of a friend (not due to death) or a drastic change. We are shaken and left wondering why and what the next day will lead to. Despite these overwhelming feelings, it is important to highlight that with each new day we have the opportunity to change our bonds, our relationship with our loss and our new existence. Making meaning for ourselves while honoring what we once had and what the present now holds. However, it is important to emphasize that it is no easy feat nor a linear one. Moreover, each individual will experience it differently, some deeper than others, but respectfully important to each individual.
As a therapist who specializes in grief, I can guarantee that it gets more manageable with time. It is not working through the grief but rather shifting your relationship, expectations, and perceptions with the loss. It is accepting what has come, creating new relationships, and adjustments. More importantly, accepting your emotions, and understanding that this is part of the process and you are not alone.