The “Tuesdays with Morrie” Principle: Making Space for Grief and Difficult Emotions

What Is the “Tuesdays with Morrie” Principle?

n the acclaimed book Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom, 1997), Mitch, a journalist, visits his terminally ill sociology professor, Morrie, every Tuesday.

Throughout these visits, Morrie teaches Mitch important lessons about life, death, relationships and living with loss. One of Morrie's ways of dealing with his prognosis, loss of independence and declining health was to set aside a specific period each day to experience his difficult emotions — to grieve, to experience the sadness and loss — and to acknowledge what he was going through.

If sadness, grief or self-pity arose at another point during the day, he would remind himself that he had set aside time later to give those feelings his attention. In that moment, however, he could temporarily put those thoughts aside and return his attention to what he needed to do.

Making Space for Grief and Difficult Emotions

The “Tuesdays with Morrie” principle can be applied to a wide variety of difficult life circumstances. Life does not stop because we are experiencing sorrow, trauma or crisis. There are times when we need to acknowledge what we are feeling, while also finding a way to continue with the things that life requires of us.

At the same time, difficult emotions need some space to be acknowledged and processed. If we continually avoid or push them aside, they may remain unresolved and make it harder to move forward. Setting aside specific time each day to become aware of what we are experiencing, and to acknowledge and name those experiences, can be a helpful practice.

Temporarily setting aside feelings of sadness, grief or distress with the intention of returning to them later is not necessarily the same as denying or suppressing them. Sometimes it is simply what is needed in the moment — because it is not an appropriate time or place to process those emotions, or because we need to remain focused on what is in front of us. What matters is making a conscious commitment to return to those feelings rather than continually avoiding them.

Using the Principle During Difficult Times

I have worked with adolescent clients whose parents were terminally ill, going through a divorce, or had passed away. Some experienced intrusive thoughts about their parent and their parent's suffering, making it difficult to concentrate on everyday activities.

For some of these young people, applying the “Tuesdays with Morrie” principle provided a way to temporarily “park” those thoughts and feelings until a more appropriate time. This helped them focus when needed, while still allowing them to return later and give their emotions proper attention.

Making Time to Reflect and Process

You can use the time set aside in different ways. You might reflect on your thoughts and experiences from earlier in the day, write about them, express them creatively, talk to someone you trust, or share them with a professional.

The “Tuesdays with Morrie” principle does not have to be limited to the “dark days” of life. It can become a lifelong practice of becoming more aware of your inner experiences. Taking time to notice and acknowledge what you couldn't fully process in the moment—whether positive or difficult—can help you become more aware of your emotional life and more mindful of your experiences.

When You May Need More Support

Making space for difficult emotions can be helpful, but sometimes grief, trauma or a difficult life situation can feel too overwhelming to navigate alone. Counselling can provide a safe space to explore what you are experiencing, develop ways of managing difficult emotions, and find a way forward that fits your circumstances.

Beyond Borders Counselling offers support for grief, serious illness and life adjustments in Somerset West and Stellenbosch, with online counselling available throughout South Africa.

Learn more about Grief & Bereavement Counselling or get in touch to arrange a free introductory conversation.