The Cycle of Grief: A Journey Through Loss
Grief isn’t just about death. It’s the job you didn’t get, the friend who disappeared, the house you had to leave behind. It’s the unexpected moments—missing a bus, losing a sentimental item, feeling a part of your life slip away. Grief is everywhere, and it follows a cycle
First, shock hits. Your mind goes blank, your body numbs, and nothing feels real. Then comes denial—you carry on as if nothing’s changed, expecting to hear their voice, see their name pop up on your phone. But grief isn’t gentle. Soon, betrayal creeps in—why did this happen? Who’s to blame? Anger flares, questions haunt you.
Then, the weight settles. Sadness turns the world grey. Regret takes hold. Could you have done more? Said more? Guilt and shame whisper that you should have tried harder. And at the lowest point, you hit the identity crisis—who am I now? How do I move forward without them?
But something shifts. A quiet voice of understanding begins to form: at least I had that time. Acceptance follows—not instant, not easy, but real. You learn to let go of blame, forgiveness softens the edges, and healing begins. Eventually, a new normal emerges. Life is different, but it moves forward.
Grief doesn’t follow a straight path. It moves backwards before it moves forward. And when the next loss comes, the cycle begins again.
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