Grief: An Emotional Journey

Today I’d like to introduce the topic of grief. I hope it is useful.

What Is Grief?
Grief is the natural response to loss. It encompasses a wide range of emotions and can affect how we think, feel, sleep, eat and interact with others. It’s not linear and it doesn’t follow a timetable. Some days may feel manageable, others may feel overwhelming. All of it is valid.

Definition: Grief is the emotional and psychological response to loss.
Feelings Involved: Sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, numbness, relief and physical symptoms like fatigue or insomnia.
Individuality: Grief is highly personal – everyone experiences it differently and it can arise from many types of loss (not just death).
Expression: It may be internal (thoughts, feelings) or external (crying, rituals, talking).

When someone dies, regardless of whether expected or sudden, it can feel like the ground has shifted beneath us. The initial shock can be disorienting. Time may blur. Emotions may surge or feel strangely absent. There is no “right” way to grieve and no single path through it. Grief is not a problem to be solved. It’s a process to be lived.

The Importance of Feeling What You Feel
In a world that often rushes us to “move on,” it’s vital to honour what you’re feeling. Suppressing emotions or trying to “stay strong” can delay healing. Grief asks us to be tender with ourselves, to cry when we need to, to speak when we’re ready and to sit quietly when words won’t come. There is strength in softness and letting yourself feel takes courage.

Self-Care in Grief
Grief impacts both the mind and body, making self-care a necessity. This might mean;

Resting more than usual
Eating nourishing food
Saying no to things that feel too much
Seeking (and accepting) support from friends, family or professionals

Finding Support Through Grief
There’s no single way to grieve, and no one-size-fits-all support. What matters is finding what helps you. Here are some approaches that you may find comforting and useful:

Counselling and therapy – Professional support can offer a safe space to talk, reflect, and heal. You can access this through charities, hospices, private therapists or your GP.
Books and reading – Stories and guides can help you feel understood and less alone. There are many titles for adults, children, and teens that explore grief with compassion.
Podcasts and videos – Listening to others share their experiences can be deeply reassuring. Podcasts like Griefcast, Open to Hope and The Art of Dying Well offer insight and connection.
Speaking to your GP – Your doctor can help with emotional wellbeing, refer you to services or simply listen.
Community and peer support – Local groups, places of worship and online forums can offer shared understanding and companionship.
Rituals and remembrance – Creating space to remember through writing, lighting candles, or visiting meaningful places can be a powerful part of healing.
Nature and gentle routine – Time outdoors, daily rituals, and small acts of care can restore calm and offer quiet strength.
Emergency help – If you’re struggling emotionally or feel overwhelmed, support is available. You can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit A&E if you’re in crisis. You are not alone and help is always within reach.

Here to help
If you would like a farewell ceremony that is special, that’s what I do. I don’t rush. I don’t use templates. I take time to understand. Ceremonies don’t need to be loud or showy to be powerful. They can be gentle, intentional and beautiful – it’s the inspiration behind the name of my business and blog and what I do best.

If you’d like to know more please contact me because ‘a life story deserves… beautiful words’.

Speak soon