A terminally ill Morrie in bed with Mitch Albom sitting besides him with his arm around him. This is to illustrate a principle that I learned from the book, Tuesdays with Morrie.

A beach at sundown with mist over the ocean and a lone branch, partly in the shallow water and partly on the sand. The lone branch points to the topic of the page, namely, Grief and Loss.

Grief and Loss

Grief is a natural and deeply personal response to loss. Whether you have lost a loved one, experienced the end of a significant relationship, or are grieving another kind of loss, your emotions may feel overwhelming or, conversely, distant and suppressed. While grieving is normal, people sometimes struggle with processing their loss—either becoming consumed by grief or pushing it aside entirely. If you find yourself on either end of this spectrum, grief counselling or grief therapy may help you navigate this difficult time.

In his acclaimed book Tuesdays with Morrie (1997), Mitch Albom recounts his weekly visits with his terminally ill professor, Morrie Schwartz. One of Morrie’s coping strategies was to set aside a specific time each day to grieve—whether for his declining health, his loss of independence, or the life he was leaving behind. During this time, he allowed himself to fully experience his sadness. But outside of this dedicated period, if he found himself slipping into sorrow, he reminded himself that he would have time to grieve later. This approach allowed him to continue engaging with life despite his immense loss.

This principle can be a valuable tool for anyone navigating grief. Life does not stop because of our sorrows, traumas, or crises, yet unacknowledged grief can resurface unexpectedly, making it difficult to move forward. Setting aside a specific time each day to consciously acknowledge and process your emotions—whether through reflection, journaling, speaking with a trusted friend, or seeking grief support—can help you integrate your experience without being consumed by it.

This technique is not about denying or suppressing grief; rather, it is about making space for it in a way that allows you to function in daily life. Many individuals, including those who have lost parents, partners, or close friends, have found this method helpful. By “parking” intrusive thoughts and emotions until a designated time, they can manage daily responsibilities while still giving their grief the attention it deserves.

Of course, everyone grieves differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Grief therapy or grief counselling can help you explore different strategies, find what resonates with you, and ensure that you are not alone in your journey.

If you are struggling with loss and seeking support, I invite you to connect with me. Together, we can find a way to navigate your grief that honours your loss while helping you move forward with purpose.