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Losing someone you love is one of the hardest things in life. And no matter how many times you experience grief, it never really gets easier. I’ve lost my dad, my stepdad, my father-in-law and so many others over the years, and while I’m no expert in grief, I do know what it feels like to be completely overwhelmed by it. If you’re in the middle of that right now, I just want you to know—you’re not alone. Grief is messy, unpredictable, and different for everyone.
I don’t have all the answers, but I do want to share a few things that have helped me cope with loss. If you’re navigating the loss of a love one, I hope something here resonates with you and makes you feel a little less alone.
Lean on Each Other
If there’s one thing I’ve learned it is that grief has a way of either bringing a family closer or creating distance, and honestly, leaning on others isn’t always easy. When emotions run high, it’s natural to pull away or just shut down. But if you can, try to reach for the people who understand your pain—whether that means talking, sharing memories, crying together, or simply sitting in silence. None of us are meant to carry grief alone, and even when it’s hard, letting others in can be one of the most healing things you do.
Grief Doesn’t Follow Rules
There’s no roadmap for grief. There’s no “right” way to do it, no timeline you’re supposed to follow. Some days, you’ll feel okay. Other days, something as small as a song on the radio or a familiar smell will completely wreck you. And that’s okay. Give yourself permission to feel it all—the sadness, the anger, the guilt, the moments of peace. It’s all part of the process. The more you allow yourself to feel, the more you’ll be able to heal in your own way.
The Practical Stuff Matters Too
One thing no one talks about enough is how much administrative stuff comes with losing someone. It’s exhausting and unfair, but unfortunately, it has to be done. From planning a funeral, to sorting out paperwork, to choosing a memorial stone on a website like memorials.com – these tasks can feel impossible when you’re drowning in grief. I’ve watched both my mom and my mother-in-law navigate this part and there is just so much to do. My advice? Take it one step at a time. Lean on family and friends for help if you can. And if handling these details gives you a sense of purpose or control in the chaos, let it. There’s no right way to grieve, and sometimes, staying busy with these tasks can be a way to process what’s happened.
Let Yourself Grieve, However That Looks
Grief looks so different for everyone. It can look like taking a walk, blasting music in your car, writing down memories, or talking to a picture of your loved one. It can look like keeping busy or taking time off work. However you need to grieve, do it. And don’t let anyone tell you that you should be “over it” by now. Grief doesn’t have an expiration date.
You’re Not Alone
If there’s one thing I want you to take from this, it’s that you’re not alone. Grief is heavy, but you don’t have to carry it by yourself. Whether you lean on family, friends, a therapist, or an online support group, reach out when you need to.
Losing someone changes you. It leaves an ache that never fully goes away. But somehow, we keep going. We find ways to keep their memory alive. We learn to carry the love they left behind. And little by little, we figure out how to move forward while still holding them close.
If you’re in the middle of grief right now, I see you. I’m with you. And I promise—you will get through this, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.
