Grief Misunderstood

Grief Is an Often-Misunderstood Emotion. When many think about grief, the first thought is that of death – the death of someone we know and/or love. But grief is much more encompassing.

Let’s start with the definition. Grief can best be described as a conflict of emotions. It is how we process the end of anything that has importance for us. And it includes that mishmash of all kinds of emotions that let us know we are experiencing a loss of some kind – not just the death of a loved one.

And here’s the thing, grief is not just associated with ‘negative’ changes. It can also go along with what we might consider ‘positive’ changes. Grief can ride along with any change or transition. Think transferring to a new location for the job of your dreams or on the opposite side of the coin, being laid off from the job of your dreams. Or how about a marriage to the one you love the most, but it also coincides with moving from single-dom to couple-dom.

All of these are transitions. Some are celebrated events others not so much. But it’s these changes that can bring on grief. So, respect the grief. Broaden the definition of grief to help you navigate the feelings it bring about. Because remember, grief is how we process the loss of anything of importance. It is how we adapt.