We didn’t choose to grieve right now, in our lives… It can feel that we are forced to grow and adjust in so many different ways. Let’s remove that forcefulness.  By now, you are understanding there is so much individuality and intention within your new way of living. There are two ways that I generally see folks grow in their grief.  Let’s see what may be more like your experience.

For some, they find that they are able to get back into their routines within time and their everyday is mostly unchanged. For these folks, the grief may be profound at specific intervals or milestones in their lives. Think of someone that you knew that was not part of your everyday… when that person died, you may have felt sorrow and noticed their absence at certain times.

For others, the growth due to grief is quite different. Their everyday is impacted due to the loss. New skills are learned, social circles may change, and their entire way of being is now redefined. A life overhaul, if you will. This growth tends to touch many aspects of life, can feel overwhelming at times and the growth is seen over time.

Both grief experiences are actually normal. Our everyday closeness, roles in each other’s lives, and level of intimacy contribute to the two growth styles.

You may find that you actually have experienced one or both styles within your life.

Watch the video. As you watch the video, consider if the styles relate to you.

Take a few minutes to reflect or journal:

What growth style is your grief?