Grief & Loss
Forever Changed
We are never the same again after a loss.
Life is suddenly split into two segments — before the loss & after the loss.
Time stops for us, but the world still goes round, which can be one of the most difficult parts.
We all will face inevitable losses through life — whether it is the loss of our health or a loved one’s terminal illness, suddenly finding ourself unemployed, suffering from a disability; having our marriage end in divorce; the loss of our innocence through physical and sexual abuse, rape, losing ourselves in the pangs of emotional abuse; overwhelming disappointment, struggling with mental health issues in ourselves or loved ones, and finally, through the ultimate loss of death.
Even events that are generally perceived as joyful life happenings can produce a sense of grief and loss such as graduating, getting married, having a baby, etc.
Loss is not something we simply get over, it is something that in the fullness of time, becomes a part of us. It becomes integrated into who we are, down to the core of our identity. It shapes our present & future.
Responding to the Loss
Grief is our human way of dealing with the loss while trying to make sense of it and ultimately find meaning through it, but it is one of the most misunderstood emotions we have. Our western society does not teach us how to deal with loss in a natural & healthy way, & often puts a time limit on it & sends us unhelpful messages about how we should grieve.
Grief is a normal part of life, and the more we can embrace the process & allow ourselves to sit in the suffering, the more we can honor ourselves in what has been lost & invite others to share in our process as well as take part in their own.
Loss cannot be quantified.
It cannot be compared.
Each loss experience, even though similar to others at times, is completely unique to you. I cannot pretend to know the pain you are experiencing as a result of each loss. Instead, I can help you to navigate through the darkness to find the light again. To explore your new identity & figure out how to continue to live your life & take care of your responsibilities.
The Transformation of Grief
Loss takes away important parts of ourselves, yet at the same time, has the potential to make us more — to give us a new perspective on life, deeper meaning, a fresh purpose.
Grief & joy are not opposing emotions — instead, they are coexisting & would not exist in the absence of the other. Without a sense of joy, we would not be able to experience the true value of what is lost through the grief of the soul.
Loss has the power to define us — but it does not have to break us. And although healing, good, & transformation can come from it, the positives will never erase the evil or right the wrong of it all. But we can find out how to live again as we accept that painful part into our healthy whole.