🌿 When Grief Becomes Part of the Journey

Grief does not disappear simply because time passes. It moves in cycles and sometimes returns more strongly than we expect. These periods, often brought on by memories, milestones, stress, or major life changes, are what I call “grief seasons”. They are not setbacks. They are moments when grief asks to be acknowledged again.

Clinically, it is completely normal for grief to resurface. Your mind and body remember what you have carried, even when you move through life with strength and intention. You may notice increased sadness, irritability, fatigue, or difficulty focusing. You may feel more sensitive or disconnected from your usual rhythm. These experiences often signal that grief is close to the surface and that your emotional system is responding to the weight of what you have lost.

I am in my own grief season right now, and what I have learned both personally and professionally is this: grief often returns when something in life shifts. It may be growth, transition, or a moment of reflection. It does not mean you are going backward. It is a reminder that the people and experiences that shaped you still hold meaning.

If you find yourself in a grief season, offer yourself gentleness. Slow your pace where you can, name what you are feeling, honor the memories that rise, and reach for support when needed.

The return of grief is not a sign of weakness. It is a reflection of love, connection, and the ways loss continues to influence who we are becoming.