When we hear the word grief, most of us think of death. But grief isn’t just about losing someone to the end of life, it’s about change, endings, and goodbyes in all their forms. It shows up after breakups, when friendships drift apart, when we leave a job, move house, or say goodbye to a version of ourselves.
Grief is part of being human. And while it’s not always easy, it’s something we all experience at some point, sometimes more than once, and often in unexpected ways.
Understanding the Many Faces of Grief
Grief doesn’t always look like tears and heartbreak. Sometimes, it’s the quiet sadness that lingers after a friendship slowly fades. Sometimes, it’s the lump in your throat when you realise a chapter of your life is closing. It can even come with change that we chose, like moving to a new place or outgrowing old habits.
Here are just a few examples of losses we might grieve:
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A romantic relationship ending
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A friendship that naturally fizzles out
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Leaving a job or team you loved
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A pet passing away
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A big life change that shifts your identity or path
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Saying goodbye to a routine, place, or version of yourself
No matter what it is, your feelings are valid. You’re allowed to feel the loss, even if others don’t fully understand it.
Coping with Grief, Gently
There’s no “right” way to grieve. Everyone processes things differently, and that’s okay. Some people cry. Others get quiet. Some throw themselves into new routines. Others need time to pause and reflect. However it shows up for you, here are a few gentle ways to take care of yourself through it:
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Acknowledge what you’ve lost
Sometimes the first step is simply naming what’s changed. “I miss how things used to be.” “I’m feeling the loss of this person/job/place.” It can be freeing to say it out loud, even just to yourself. -
Feel what you need to feel
Give yourself permission to sit with the emotions that come up. That doesn’t mean dwelling in sadness, but allowing space for it when it shows up. Emotions are temporary visitors, they pass more peacefully when we welcome them in. -
Lean into things that bring you comfort
Whether it’s journaling, spending time in nature, chatting with someone who “gets it,” or simply doing something small that brings you joy, gentle, comforting habits can help you feel grounded again. -
Create your own rituals
It could be lighting a candle, writing a letter, listening to a certain song, or walking somewhere meaningful. Little acts of reflection or closure can be surprisingly healing. -
Remember that healing isn’t linear
Some days will feel heavy, others will feel surprisingly light. Let it be what it is. You’re not doing it wrong, you’re just human.
Growth Can Follow Grief
Grief can feel overwhelming at first, but with time, it often makes room for something else, growth, clarity, resilience, and even joy. It can deepen your understanding of yourself. It can make you more compassionate. It can help you discover what truly matters to you.
You might come out the other side a little softer. A little wiser. More grounded in who you are.
Grief doesn’t mean you’re broken, it means you loved, you cared, you connected. And that’s something beautiful.
If you’re grieving, for a person, a relationship, a season of life, be kind to yourself. Grief is not weakness. It’s a sign that something mattered. And while it may take time, healing is possible.
You’re allowed to honour what was while still moving toward what’s next.
You’ve got this.
