Dealing with Grief
Written by Ryan Greenwood
Dealing with Grief
Because love doesn’t come with an off switch
Grief is one of life’s most complex and challenging experiences. It doesn’t follow a neat timeline, and the so-called “stages of grief” rarely reflect the unpredictable ebb and flow of an actual person’s emotions. Grief is deeply personal, but that doesn’t mean you have to navigate it alone. Here are some thoughts and tips to help you cope with the process.
1. Don’t Judge Yourself for How You Grieve
Grief doesn’t come with a rulebook, and there’s no “right” way to experience it. Whether your grief feels overwhelming or distant, whether it lasts a long time or seems to ebb quickly, all of these experiences are valid.
What to remember:
It’s okay if your emotions feel messy, uncalibrated, or unexpected. Allow yourself the grace to feel what you feel, without comparing yourself to others or worrying about how you’re “supposed” to grieve.
2. Understand That Grief Takes Time
Grief is not something to “get over.” It’s a process of sorting through a well of love for someone or something that no longer has a tangible place to go. That love builds up inside, and working through it can take far longer than you might expect.
What to do:
Be patient with yourself. There’s no finish line for grief, and healing can’t be rushed.
Remember that acceptance is not about forgetting—it’s about finding a way to carry your love and loss forward in a way that honors both.
3. Recognize When You’re Stuck
Grief should naturally evolve over time, but sometimes we find ourselves in a rut, unable to move forward. Feeling stuck could mean that there’s an unresolved emotion or fear holding you back.
What to watch for:
Self-judgment: Are you being too hard on yourself about how you’re grieving?
Unprocessed emotions: Have you given yourself the time and space to feel your pain?
Fear of moving forward: Are you worried about what comes next if you let go of some of the grief?
Recognizing these barriers can help you start to move forward again, even if it’s just one small step at a time.
4. Lean on Support
Grief can feel isolating, but you don’t have to face it alone. Sharing your emotions with a trusted friend or therapist can make a world of difference.
Why it helps:
Talking to someone provides perspective and emotional relief.
A therapist or supportive friend can help you process your grief in a healthy, constructive way.
While they can’t take the pain away, they can make the journey feel less overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
Grief is an expression of love in its rawest, most unfiltered form. It’s not linear, predictable, or something you need to “fix.” Allow yourself the time and space to feel it fully, honor it, and, over time, find a way to integrate it into your life. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means learning how to move forward while carrying your love and memories with you.
Looking for Support?
At Hello Calm, we offer compassionate grief counseling to help you navigate the complexities of loss. If you need a listening ear or guidance through your journey, visit our Contact Us page to schedule an appointment. You don’t have to face grief alone.
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Ryan Greenwood, CPC, MA
Ryan is the founder and clinical director of Hello Calm. He graduated at the top of his class from Adams State University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, is a member of the American Counseling Association, and has a great passion for working with people to grow in the middle of their hardest moments. Ryan is a Henderson local, greatly loves the Golden Knights, traveling, and being outdoors. He and his wife have been happily married for 9 years.
