7 Gentle Tips for Navigating Grief and Loss

By Tracey McDaniel, LPC | Pathways to Positive Living, LLC

Grief is not linear. It’s not something we “get over”—it’s something we learn to live with, grow through, and carry with care. Whether you’ve lost a loved one, a relationship, a job, or a former version of yourself, grief changes us. And while no two journeys are the same, there are gentle ways to navigate the difficult path of loss.

Here are seven compassionate tips to help you or someone you love begin healing:

1. Give Yourself Permission to Feel

There is no “right” way to grieve. Sadness, anger, numbness, guilt, and even laughter can all exist in the same space. Let your emotions flow without judgment. Suppressing them only delays healing.

2. Create a Safe Ritual

Rituals can anchor us in moments of chaos. Light a candle, keep a journal, visit a special place, or create a memory box. These actions can offer comfort, connection, and a sense of control.

3. Lean on Trusted Support

Grief can feel isolating, but you are not alone. Reach out to a therapist, join a support group, or confide in someone who will listen without trying to “fix” you. Being seen and heard can be deeply healing.

4. Take Care of Your Body

Grief affects your physical health. Try to rest, hydrate, eat nourishing foods, and move your body gently. Even small acts of self-care are signs of strength.

5. Say Their Name

If you’re grieving a person, speaking their name, sharing stories, and honoring their memory can be incredibly therapeutic. They are still part of your story.

6. Accept That Waves Will Come

Grief doesn’t follow a timeline. Anniversaries, holidays, songs, or scents can trigger unexpected waves. When they come, breathe through them. You’ve survived every wave so far.

7. Find Meaning in Your Own Time

Eventually, you may feel ready to ask, “How do I carry this forward?” That may mean advocacy, creativity, connection, or simply living more fully in their honor. Let meaning unfold naturally.

Final Thoughts

Grief invites us to be tender with ourselves. You are not broken—you are human. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting; it means remembering with more love than pain.

If you're ready to talk, Pathways to Positive Living offers a safe space for therapy and support. You don't have to walk this road alone.

Need someone to talk to? Schedule your free 15-minute consultation www.//calendly.com/pathwaystopositiveliving

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