Grief Doesn’t Have a Timeline—And That’s Okay
The holidays are here, and with them comes the pressure of forced joy—the endless “cheer” we see everywhere. The music, the lights, the picture-perfect families. It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, right? But for some of us, it doesn’t always feel that way.
Grief doesn’t take a break just because it’s the holiday season. In fact, it can feel even heavier when we’re surrounded by the expectation that we should be “celebrating.” It might be the first holiday without a loved one, the grief of a life you imagined but didn’t get, or just the weight of change you never saw coming. Whatever it is, you are not alone in it.
Grief Isn’t Just About Death
We tend to think of grief as something tied to loss—usually the death of someone we love. But grief can come in many forms. It might show up when a relationship ends, a job you loved is no longer in your life, or even when the holidays are nothing like what you imagined.
Grief is simply the emotional response to any kind of loss, and that means it can look different for everyone. It might feel overwhelming some days, and other times, it might be more subtle, sneaking in when you least expect it.
This year, as I reflect on the holidays, I realize that grief doesn’t have a timeline. There’s no “right way” to grieve, no magic moment when the pain suddenly disappears. But what I’ve come to understand is this: it’s okay to feel what you feel.
I’d like to personally introduce you to the 36-page Grief Toolkit
Allow Yourself to Be Where You Are
During the holidays, there’s an overwhelming message that we should “snap out of it” and embrace the joy. But if you’re grieving, that can feel like an impossible task. It’s okay not to feel okay. You are allowed to feel sadness, confusion, and loss, no matter what time of year it is.
In my own life, I’ve learned that healing isn’t about rushing through the grief or pushing it down. It’s about being with it. Letting it flow through you. Making space for both the sadness and the hope.
The holidays are a time when many of us feel pressure to be happy or put on a smile for others. But I’m here to remind you: it’s okay to take a step back. It’s okay to say no to the big gatherings, to ask for a quiet moment, to grieve without expectation.
Healing isn’t linear, and you don’t have to get “better” by a certain time.
A Tool to Help You Navigate the Holidays with Grief
I know this season can be especially tough, and that’s why I created the Grief Toolkit—a resource to help you process, find peace, and navigate the emotional rollercoaster that comes with loss during the holidays. This toolkit isn’t about making the pain go away—it’s about gently guiding you through it.
Inside, you’ll find journaling prompts, breathing exercises, and reflections that can help you honor where you are and allow the grief to move through you without trying to “fix” it. It’s a tool designed to help you create space for your feelings and move at your own pace.
You Don’t Have to Walk Through This Alone
If you’ve been feeling the weight of grief this holiday season, I want you to know that you are not alone. It’s okay to take things day by day, and it’s okay to ask for support. Whether that’s through a toolkit like this, leaning on a friend, or simply being kind to yourself, you deserve to take the time you need to heal.
Grief might feel isolating, but there’s a community out here that understands. There’s no timeline for healing, and there’s no “wrong” way to go through it. Honor where you are, give yourself grace, and know that healing doesn’t mean moving on—it means moving forward, at your own pace.
How are you navigating grief during the holidays? I’d love to hear your story. You’re not alone in this.
