Breathe SB

Grief is an unavoidable part of life. Whether it comes from the loss of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or a drastic change in our circumstances, grief needs to be acknowledged and felt. However, many of us have been conditioned to push past pain, burying our emotions to continue with daily life. While this might seem like the easiest route at the moment, ignoring grief can have long-term consequences that eventually force us to confront our pain in unexpected and often more painful ways.

I learned this the hard way. There was a period in my life when I experienced a deep, aching loss. At the time, I told myself to be strong and keep moving forward, thinking that if I buried my grief under layers of busyness, goals, and distraction, it would eventually disappear. But as life went on, more challenges came my way, piling up on top of that unaddressed heartache. It wasn’t until I started experiencing extreme stress and severe stomach issues that I realized my body was manifesting the pain I had tried so hard to suppress.

Grief doesn’t simply vanish when we ignore it; it festers. Suppressed grief can build up, intertwining with the stresses of everyday life, until our minds and bodies can no longer handle the burden. This can lead to a myriad of physical and emotional issues, from anxiety and depression to chronic illnesses and other stress-related ailments.

Allowing ourselves to grieve means giving ourselves permission to feel whatever emotions come up: sadness, anger, confusion, or even relief, without judgment. It’s a form of self-compassion, a way of honoring our experiences and recognizing our need for healing. By taking the time to grieve, we create space for ourselves to process our emotions and ultimately move towards acceptance and peace.

Once I finally allowed myself to grieve, I felt a tremendous weight lift. It wasn’t easy, and it certainly wasn’t quick, but acknowledging my pain was the first step toward healing. Instead of compounding my grief with additional layers of stress, I learned to face it head-on, to give it a name, and to understand that it was a natural, human response to loss. I’ve also learned not to compare my grief to others. My experience is unique because I am a unique person, and no one else has walked through my life the way I have.

Grieving isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to our strength and our capacity for love and connection. It’s important to remember that grief is a process, not a destination, and is never linear. It’s okay to pause, to allow ourselves to feel, and to take the time we need to heal. In doing so, we not only honor our pain but also make room for future joy.