Grief is a complex emotion. 

It’s one that we think will never affect us, but yet it sneaks up on us in a split second. That’s why it’s so complex.

There’s no date to warn you when grief will begin, or how easily it sets in. There’s no date to when it’ll end. When things will get better. How things will get better. 

Grief is something that sits and stays for a while like an unwanted guest, yet somehow we all feel the feeling in different ways. Not one person will feel the same emotions as the next, and the journeys to recovery take us all on different paths to the same destination. 

Whether your journey is forgiveness, acceptance or acknowledgement, we all end up in the same place; better. 

Sometimes it feels impossible, like you’re a rock sinking into a vast ocean, soaking among the waves. 

Eventually that vast ocean becomes a lake, to a pond, then a puddle until that rock is no longer surrounded by water. Almost back to where it originally started, but now with different experiences. 

It’s important to know you’re never alone, even when at times it can feel like it. 

We may never be able to know what other people are feeling, especially with a complex emotion like grief. That doesn’t mean others can’t help. Even if it’s just listening, sometimes getting things off your chest can help you process. 

I struggle with making things real. If I don’t talk about it, I can convince myself it doesn’t exist. Grief is real. Grief cannot be ignored. 

If talking is not your thing I get that, I’m not a talker myself, but people can still be there for you even without talking. Quality time in a hard time can make things just the slightest bit better. While in the trenches the slightest bit of comfort can make a world of difference. 

If you’re struggling with grief right now, or know someone who is, remember this: you’re not alone, even if you feel like it. 

NMU has resources you can access to help you with complex emotions like grief. 

NMU Wellbeing can connect you to licensed professionals, or provide you with helpful websites to help you navigate on your own. Your journey can be done on your own time, in your own way. 

When grieving, it’s important to know it’s not the end, just another chapter of your story. Remember to take the time you need. No one can decide how you feel about your emotions, only you, but that means the journey is yours to complete how you feel is best for you.

Remember you are loved, and strong. It may not feel like it, but one day it’ll be better- it’ll be okay. 

To access NMU Wellbeing’s grief resources click here. 

To access all the NMU wellbeing’s resources click here.