Learning to Walk with Grief

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about loss. Maybe it’s just this stage of life, but it seems like grief keeps showing up like an awkward party guest who doesn’t know when to leave. In the past few years, I’ve said goodbye to acquaintances, family members, pets, even friends. And while everyone tells you time helps, I’ve found that grief has a mind of its own — unpredictable, messy, and sometimes oddly comforting in its persistence.

I remember when I lost my grandmother — she was this vibrant, feisty woman who could turn a simple cup of tea into a full-blown life lesson. After she passed, I kept expecting the sadness to be this linear process, like climbing a ladder: step one, cry; step two, reminisce; step three, feel better. But grief doesn’t care about your checklist — it’s more like riding a rollercoaster in the dark. One minute you're fine, and the next you’re sobbing because you found her old scarf in the back of a closet.

The truth is, it never fully goes away, but it does change shape. At first, it's like putting on a new pair of shoes — stiff, uncomfortable, and rubbing in all the wrong places. But over time, they start to mold to your feet, softening with every step until one day, you realize they fit just right.

I’ve found that leaning into those memories — even the bittersweet ones — helps the most. Tell their stories, keep their quirks alive. Like how my grandmother believed apple pie cured everything — from heartbreak to the common cold. Remembering those moments makes me feel like she’s still a part of my day-to-day life.

Grief doesn’t follow rules, and coping looks different for everyone. Some find comfort in talking about it, others need time alone. And sometimes, you just need to binge-watch a ridiculous comedy because laughter feels like the only thing that makes sense.

If you’re feeling weighed down right now, be kind to yourself. Grief is love with nowhere to go — and that love? It’s powerful, even in the hardest moments. ❤️

ChillaxTribe

POSITIVE AFFIRMATION

I am strong enough to carry my grief and still find light in the world.