Grief can come in all shapes and sizes and affects us all in different ways.
Over the years I have found myself in the deep, dark depths of grief for various reasons like we all have.
When we are grieving, it is hard to work, hard to smile, hard to lead and hard to do the things we know serve us well.
The positive aspect of having spent days, weeks, months or years grieving is that we can better support others during their challenging times.
Some of the lessons I have learnt over the years are:
1. If I’m smiling it doesn’t mean that you should presume I am now OK.
Please continue to support me because I am struggling on the inside.
2. Don’t avoid the subject of my grief.
Whether I’m grieving the loss of a loved one, fur-baby, business, marriage, or a dream that has crumbled, pretending these haven’t existed does not help me to ‘get over it’.
3. Retreating and isolating myself is not good for me.
Please reach out and organise to come over and let me cry, share a meal with me or encourage me out for a gentle walk in nature.
4. Don’t put a timeline on my grief.
Getting over grief is a myth. Instead, we move forward with our grief. Understand I may be triggered by my bereavement at any stage throughout my life.
Do you know someone who is grieving right now?
Human connection and conversations can make such a difference to someone who is struggling. Let’s make it OK to say, ‘I’m wobbly right now’.
