THE UNRAVEL OF GRIEF

Grief is a diverse and deeply personal experience that affects individuals going through a loss. It usually comes with unpredictable displays of emotions that are unique to each person experiencing it.

Grief is like a visitor, except that it’s an unexpected guest. It doesn’t knock; it just barges in, uninvited, and sets up shop right in your body. It changes your plans and turns down the volume on everything that used to bring you joy.

Sometimes, grief feels like a dull ache, a constant, silent sadness that lingers beneath the surface of your day-to-day activities. You might be able to function, go to work, or even laugh with friends, but that ache is always there, a reminder of the emptiness left behind.

Other times, grief hits like a tidal wave. You don’t get a warning; you are suddenly overwhelmed with emotions, regrets, memories, and raw, unfiltered pain. You might find yourself sobbing uncontrollably, feeling like you are drowning in sorrow. And then the wave recedes, leaving you gasping for air and wondering what just hit you.

Grief is unpredictable. It doesn’t follow a set schedule or obey any logical rules. You might think you are doing okay, that you are finally starting to heal, and then suddenly—a song, a smell, a familiar face—triggers a fresh wave of grief, and you find yourself back at square one. It’s not just sadness; grief can manifest in all sorts of unexpected ways.

Grief is not just about losing a person so dear; it can also take the form of betrayal or abandonment. It creeps in like a devil, intent on killing, stealing, and devouring your peace of mind. Grief is not limited to death alone; it can arise from neglect by those you love most deeply.

Numbness is another reaction to grief. Sometimes the pain is just too much to bear, so your mind shuts down, leaving you feeling detached and disconnected from everything around you.

The hardest part about grief, perhaps, is the feeling that you are alone in it. Even if you have supportive friends and family, they can’t truly understand what you are going through. It’s a deeply personal experience; no one can grieve for you.

But here’s the thing: you are not alone. Grief is a universal human experience. We all face loss at some point in our lives. The pain may never completely disappear, but eventually, it will soften.

Healing from grief isn’t about forgetting the person or relationship you lost; it’s about learning to live with their absence or betrayal, finding a way to carry their memories forward, and honoring their legacy. It takes time, patience, and self-compassion. Be kind to yourself. Allow yourself to feel whatever it is you need to feel. Don’t try to rush the process, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help.

Grief is a journey, not a destination. While it may be the most challenging journey you’ve ever taken, it also reflects the depth of your love and the value of the life or connection that was lost. In the end, it’s worth honoring.

Featured Image by AdelinaZw from Pixabay