“Your grief path is yours alone, and no one else can walk it, and no one else can understand it.” - Terri Irwin

Grief is an incredibly personal and complex emotion that can profoundly impact our overall well-being. Whether stemming from the loss of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or any other kind of loss, the experience of grief can affect us in physical, emotional, and mental ways. It's essential to recognize that the grieving process is not straightforward, and each individual may navigate its stages in their own unique manner. As a Certified Wellness Coach, it's vital for me to understand the profound effect of grief on wellness to help my clients develop coping mechanisms and seek support. Grief can have a far-reaching impact on various aspects of their lives, including their physical health, mental resilience, and social connections.

August 30 is National Grief Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the complex emotions experienced during grief. This day also acknowledges that the healing process following a loss can take varying amounts of time and that closure can manifest in many forms. It's important not to judge others based on how they are grieving or how long the grieving process takes. Every individual is different, and so are their experiences and timelines.

In my previous corporate career, I played a critical role in establishing a family assistance team to support family members and survivors involved in airline incidents and accidents. The government mandated this team following the tragic crash of TWA 800. Part of my responsibilities included meeting with survivors and family members of individuals who lost their lives in transportation accidents to understand how best to support them through their loss and grief.

During a significant encounter, I met a remarkable woman who had suffered the loss of her husband in a military accident. Despite her personal tragedy, she had channeled her grief into founding a nationwide nonprofit organization. This organization offers support and resources to individuals who are grieving the loss of a military or veteran community member. This woman recounted an encounter she had where someone, upon learning of her loss, responded insensitively by saying, "I know exactly how you feel. My cat died last week.”

The encounter had a profound impact on her because she felt that the other person didn't truly comprehend her emotions. While she recognized that the person had gone through a significant loss, they didn't grasp the specifics of her situation, the depth of her relationship with the lost loved one, or the challenges she faced in taking care of herself and her children afterward. This experience was eye-opening for me. I had always considered myself empathetic, but through this interaction, I realized that people often rush to claim they understand exactly how someone feels when it would be more appropriate to acknowledge the difficulty by saying, "I can only imagine how difficult this has been for you."

In my life, I have faced deep sorrow numerous times. Back in 2016, my mother lost her battle with breast cancer after putting up a brave fight for over five years. The grief I experienced was like a relentless roller coaster ride of emotions. While I usually enjoy roller coasters, this was one ride I desperately wanted to end. Every time it circled back to the starting point, I felt a sickening sensation and a knot in my stomach. It was terrifying, akin to an unending nightmare. The constant emotional turmoil, coupled with my natural instinct to be an empath and a caretaker for others, took a toll on my well-being without me even realizing it. Since then, I've discovered that support networks and resources are available to assist in such situations. Focusing on even the smallest aspect of wellness can kickstart a positive momentum, which can help one begin the journey of healing from grief.

On this Grief Awareness Day, it's crucial to emphasize the significance of self-care and overall well-being. As we journey through the complexities of grief, it's imperative to recognize that tending to our needs is not selfish but rather an essential act. Whether it's immersing ourselves in activities that ignite happiness, reaching out for support from family and friends or a mental health specialist, or carving out moments for introspection, prioritizing self-care is a fundamental aspect of navigating the experience of grief. Care can indeed help us navigate the complex emotions that come with grief.

Mountain Mindset

If you know someone who is going through a difficult time dealing with the loss of a loved one or any other form of grieving, please take a moment today to reach out to them. Ask them how they are coping, lend them a listening ear, and let them know it's okay to seek additional support if needed. Your presence and support can make a significant difference in their healing process. 

If you are facing your own struggles with grief, it's crucial to prioritize your self-care. Remember that seeking help and support is not a sign of weakness but rather a vital part of caring for yourself during this challenging time.

Today, let's prioritize our well-being and extend compassion and support to those around us who may be dealing with grief.