Grief Your Way: There's Value In Learning from Various Grief Experts & Resources

Over the last four years of intentionally and intently studying the impact of grief, I discovered something eye-opening.

Some experts will tell you that if you're grieving longer than a made-up timeline, somehow you've moved into a category that can be classified as a mental illness.

Others would never dream of classifying you as having a mental illness but rather validate that grief is a natural response to a loss that, no matter how long you feel, the emotional and physical reactions to feelings associated with grief.

Both perspectives have value and something to be learned. I don't advocate for one over the other.

I advocate for your healing your way and time.

I advocate for you to educate yourself on what grief is, how it shows up in your life, and how it will impact your life forever.

I advocate for drawing information from various sources and sit with it. What are they saying that resonates in your spirit?

What are they saying that feels healing and soothing to your emotional wounds?

What are they saying that aligns with your beliefs about grief and bereavement?

What are they saying that makes you feel normal and yearn for more? What are they saying that helps you push the needle ever so gently towards a life of living inside your grief, honoring everything that comes with it, and honoring your person?

I advocate that you tend to yourself, understanding that your knowledge of how to do this may come from various perspectives. You're not crazy. It's grief.

In this blog, we explore the profound journey of embracing grief as a natural and personal process of healing. We delve into the different perspectives surrounding grief, from those who classify it as a mental illness to those who validate it as a natural response to loss. Rather than advocating for a specific viewpoint, we encourage individuals to embark on their own healing journey, finding solace in education, introspection, and validation. By honoring our grief, we can begin to navigate a life that embraces the complexities and emotions that come with it, ultimately finding a path towards healing and self-discovery.

Kinyatta E. Gray writes about grief and loss, and is the founder of The Heart of Miss Bee, Inc, Flights In Stilettos, and InHer Bliss Life Coaching. Gray has design and released over 20 guided and blank journals for women, teens and men.