01/09/2026
Grief… I’ve been thinking a lot about grief as so many close to me are dealing with it now. As both a clinician and someone who has experienced grief myself, here are some things I suggest.
First, it may be less hurtful to avoid the places and things that remind you of your loved one, but eventually you must face them, and over time, those places and things could bring you joy, happy memories, and a spiritual closeness to your loved one.
Second, ignore any expectation you or others may have about how long you should grieve. Grief does not have a linear path. It is sneaky, and it will take twists and turns that you could never imagine. We all have different DNA, thus we all grieve differently.
Third, do not be afraid to speak of your loved one to others (also, do not be afraid to speak of a lost loved one to someone who is grieving). We all want our lost loved ones to be remembered and not have their memories disappear. In time, speaking of that loved one will be very meaningful rather than painful.
Always a reminder that there is no shame in counseling. If you are struggling with grief, many Hospice organizations and spiritual organizations offer grief counseling or refer to qualified therapists.
