Navigating Grief: A Personal Journey and Finding Support by Lori Rose, LMHC

Losing someone you love is a profound experience that can shake your world in ways you never expected. Eight months ago, I lost a dear friend to ovarian cancer, and not a day goes by that I do not feel the void she left behind. There are still moments when I instinctively pick up the phone to call her, only to remember she is no longer there. The holidays, with their traditions and emphasis on togetherness, seemed to magnify the absence even more.
Grief is a complex and deeply personal journey. It is not something we simply “get over,” but rather something we learn to carry. It is important to remember that needing help along the way is not a weakness—it is a vital part of healing.
Psychologist William Worden’s Tasks of Mourning offer a framework for understanding how we can process grief. These tasks include:
· Accepting the reality of the loss This involves fully acknowledging that your loved one is gone. For me, this meant not receiving her daily text messages with her NYT Wordle and Connections results.
· Processing the pain of grief Allowing yourself to feel emotions, no matter how overwhelming, is essential. Some days I have cried over memories we shared, while other days I have smiled at memories and feel grateful for having had her friendship. Giving yourself permission to feel is crucial.
· Adjusting to a world without your loved one This means finding new routines and ways to navigate life without their presence. For instance, I decided to continue in our monthly Meet Up group but opted to not renew our seasonal theater tickets. It is okay to make whatever adjustments you need to.
· Finding an enduring connection while moving forward Honoring their memory while continuing to live your life can take many forms. I have created a scrapbook of pictures, ticket stubs, cards, and other mementos of things we did together. Flipping it through it often reminds me she is still a part of my journey. I also created a playlist of our favorite songs or music from live shows we attended together.
These tasks are not a checklist to complete but rather a guide to help us navigate our emotions and experiences over time.
For many, individual therapy and support groups provide a safe space to share and process grief. Here at Branches of Growth, we offer individual therapy and monthly yoga classes,
such as Flowing with Grief or Yoga for Survivors of Suicide to help you cope with your grief. Other groups such as Hope for the Bereaved or Riverbend Grief offer support and resources for those coping with loss. These spaces remind us that while grief can feel isolating, we don’t have to endure it alone.
Grief is tough. It is messy, unpredictable, and often leaves us feeling unmoored. But through self-compassion, seeking support, and taking steps to process our emotions, healing is possible. You do not have to do it all on your own—lean into the people and resources around you.
If you are struggling with loss, know that it is okay to grieve in your own way and in your own time. Be kind to yourself, reach out for help if you need it, and remember: your loved one’s memory lives on in your heart and the stories you share.