Grief isn’t a task to complete or a phase to move past—it’s an ongoing experience we learn to carry. It doesn’t follow a timeline, and it doesn’t simply fade away. Some days, it may feel lighter; other days, it can wash over us without warning.
I’ve learned this firsthand. There are moments when I think I’ve made peace with a loss, only to be caught off guard by a familiar song, a certain smell, or an unexpected memory that brings a wave of emotions. Grief has a way of showing up when we least expect it.
If you’ve ever been told to “move on” or “just be grateful,” know this: grief isn’t something to fix. It’s love that has nowhere to go. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means learning to live alongside the loss in a way that honours your experience.
Take your time. Be kind to yourself. And if grief ever feels too heavy, reach out—to a family member, a friend, a support group, or a counsellor. You don’t have to carry it alone.
Grief is not something to fix, but a journey to carry with love and kindness.
If you would like support as you navigate that journey, I’m here to walk alongside you.
Annika Schaefer
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