Navigating Grief: A Personal Reflection ♡♡
“Grief is unique to each person, and there’s no single way to mourn. What matters most is finding what helps you heal.”
The Unpredictable Path of Grief
Losing someone we love deeply is one of the most painful experiences we can endure. In recent weeks, our mental health community has been hit hard by an influx of loss—reminders of just how fragile and unpredictable life can be. As therapists, we hold space for grief every day, yet when it touches our own lives, we’re reminded of how raw and consuming it truly is.
I know this all too well. I lost my mother at 21—at a time when I still needed her guidance, her warmth, and the deep connection we shared. Grieving her loss was an emotional roller coaster I felt completely unprepared for. The waves of sadness, anger, confusion, and longing would hit unpredictably, and managing those emotions felt overwhelming. It shaped me in ways I never expected, influencing how I see myself, my relationships, and the way I move through life.
Our Last Journey Together
When my mother found out her time was limited, she made a decision that still lingers in my heart—we took a trip together to Africa and Israel. It was a journey filled with beauty, reflection, and an unspoken understanding of what was to come.
In Africa, we stood in awe of the vast landscapes, soaking in the quiet moments together. In Israel, we walked through sacred places, holding hands, taking in every detail, every feeling, every memory. There was a heaviness in the air, but there was also love—a deep, indescribable love that transcended words.
That trip was a gift, a final chapter we wrote together before she left this world. Just two weeks after we returned, she was gone. The reality of her absence hit me like a tidal wave, but so did the gratitude for those final days—for the chance to say goodbye in a way that felt meaningful.
Collective Grief and the Weight of Loss
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how grief connects us. The recent losses in our community have stirred up familiar emotions—disbelief, sorrow, and the struggle to comprehend how someone can be here one moment and gone the next. Grief has a way of bringing us together in our shared humanity, yet it can also feel incredibly isolating.
For those of us in the helping profession, we often witness others’ pain, but when it becomes personal, we’re forced to navigate the same emotional terrain we guide our clients through. It’s a humbling reminder that no amount of knowledge or training can fully prepare us for the depth of loss.
How Loss Shapes Identity and Perspective
Losing my mother so young forced me to grow in ways I never expected. It made me more empathetic, more aware of how precious time is, and more intentional about the way I live. It changed my relationships—I learned to value deep connections more, to express love without hesitation, and to support others who might be struggling with their grief.
It also gave me a strength I didn’t know I had. When you’ve survived something that shakes you to your core, you realize that even in the darkest moments, you can keep going. I carry my mother with me in everything I do, and though I wish she were still here, I know her love continues to shape who I am.
Honoring the PATH—Together
As we hold space for those who are grieving—whether in our professional roles or our personal lives—it’s important to remember that grief is never linear. It ebbs and flows, surprises us when we least expect it, and demands it to be felt in its own time. To anyone in our community navigating loss right now, please know you’re not alone. The pain is real, but so is your resilience. There is no right way to grieve, only the way that allows you to honor your love, your memories, and your healing. If you need support, connection, or simply a space to process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are in this together. All of my information can be found here.♡