I hope you're doing okay. Today, I wanted to talk about something that's been on my mind lately—grieving the loss of a colleague and friend. It's not an easy topic to discuss, but I think it's important for us to acknowledge and process our emotions when someone we care about leaves us.
I lost a friend and former colleague last week, and to be honest, I'm really struggling to cope with the sudden loss. It's one of those experiences that can hit you like a ton of bricks, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to navigate the emotions that come with it. I've been through something similar before, and it's important to acknowledge that it's okay to grieve in these situations. We must allow ourselves the space to process and come to terms with our emotions.
You see, grieving is not just about mourning the physical absence of someone in our lives. It's about acknowledging their impact on us, our shared memories, and the void they leave behind. It's about permitting ourselves to feel the loss, process the emotions that come with it, and honor our memory uniquely.
We risk burying those emotions deep within us without allowing ourselves to grieve. We might try to push through, put on a brave face, and pretend everything is okay. But the truth is, grief doesn't just disappear on its own. It must be acknowledged and expressed, or it can manifest differently, affecting our mental and emotional well-being.
For me, allowing myself to grieve is a way of honoring my friend's memory and acknowledging the impact she had on so many lives. It's about recognizing that her presence matters, and so does her absence.
One thing I know for sure is that grief looks different for everyone.
There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Some might find solace in talking about their loved ones, while others prefer to process their emotions privately. Whether through journaling, seeking support from friends or a professional counselor, or engaging in activities that bring comfort, finding healthy outlets to express our grief is vital.
If you have experienced loss of any kind, please take the time to grieve. Allow yourself to feel the emotions, honor the memories, and find ways to navigate this new reality. It won't be easy, but by embracing your grief, you're allowing yourself to heal and find a sense of peace amidst the pain.
Remember, you are not alone. Others are going through similar experiences, and resources and support networks are available to help you through this journey. I've listed a few resources below. Together, we can walk this path of grief, each at our own pace, and emerge stronger on the other side.
Take care and be gentle with yourself.
Resources:
Click here to find a Grief Counselor/Therapist in your area.
Janette Owens is the founder of Be Inspired For Real and owner of Be Inspired For Real LLC. She loves everything inspirational and has spent most of her life inspiring and motivating others through humor, prose, exhortation, and God's love. Janette is the author of A Swan Song, an intimate collection of poems and short stories. Janette lives just outside of Memphis, Tennessee.
Great topic