Navigating Grief: Building Bridges to Healing | Pregnancy & Infant Loss Blog

Grief is a universal experience, one that comes in many forms. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a friendship that has faded, or the end of a significant chapter in life, the feeling can be overwhelming. It’s a journey that can leave you feeling lost, confused, and sometimes isolated. However, building bridges to healing is critical in navigating this difficult path.

A serene forest path represents a journey through grief.

Understanding Grief Healing

Acknowledging that grief healing is not linear, has been an important component of my healing journey. Recognizing that these waves of emotions tend to come and go with moments of intense sorrow and are often paired with a welcomed calm. From sadness and anger to relief and numbness, grief manifests in various ways. Learning to understand these stages at times provides me with a sense of normalcy during this chaotic time.

Each of us experiences grief differently, and what I'm learning is to make it a priority to honor my feelings rather than push them away. Acknowledging my mixed bag of emotions has become the first step in my healing process. For instance, knowing that there are certain times of the year where my waves of grief are stronger, has become a part of my new normal.

Steps Toward Navigating Grief

To begin navigating this journey, I had to start doing the following:

1. Allowing and Giving Myself Permission to Grieve

Giving myself permission to grieve took heart and courage, at a time where I felt my weakest. I took up journaling as a way to express what I was feeling, even if that feeling was numb. I write about my experiences with loss, my memories, and your hopes and dreams for the future. Doing this enables me to reflect and process my wave of emotions.

2. Seek Support

Friends, family, support groups or your workplace Employee Assistance Program, if available to you, can be instrumental during this time. Over the years, I have learned that sharing experiences builds an emotional connection that can help reduce loneliness. If you feel comfortable, consider joining a grief support group in your area, consider speaking to a grief counselor who specializes in pregnancy and infant loss.

A lakeside pier signifies a peaceful retreat for reflection.

3. Incorporate Healthy Habits

When mourning, it’s easy to neglect self-care. Exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can aid in your healing journey. Physical activity releases endorphins, which can improve your mood. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. It can be a brisk walk, yoga, or even dancing in your living room.

4. Create a Tribute

Honoring your loved one or acknowledging your loss through a tribute can be a powerful way to celebrate their memory. This can take various forms, such as planting a tree, creating a scrapbook, or even writing a letter to express your feelings. Get creative, and let this tribute serve as a stepping stone in your healing journey.

Searching for Meaning in My Loss

Losing Bean felt like the end of something that never got the chance to begin. It wasn't until years later, when I wrote, Hello Bean: A Spark of Life, a Legacy of Love, where I started to reflect on my own mortality, and seeking for ways to contribute the pregnancy and infant loss community, by creating a sense of connection through shared experiences this type of loss brings.

Reflecting on the time spent with Bean, although brief, brings a feeling of gratitude and appreciation. If you have experienced this type of loss, has your empathy of others deepened? Is there a renewed sense of the importance of cherishing relationships? My road to healing is far from over, but I have started to accept and acknowledge that insights gained from suffering can assist in my personal growth as well as provide me with a sense of purpose.

A blooming flower symbolizes new beginnings and hope in the healing process.

Continuing the Journey

Grief doesn’t fade away entirely; it changes form. Although time has passed, the intensity has lessened, allowing for happy memories and new beginnings to surface alongside the sorrow. On this path to healing, it's become important for me to relish in the joyful moments.

How do I do this? By engaging in activities that bring me joy, such as dancing and listening to music, expanding on my digital art creations, trying a new recipe, or connecting with new and old relationships alike. I'm no longer rushing my healing process—instead, I am granting myself permission, the time and space necessary to grow.

Moving Forward with Compassion

Navigating through grief has required me to develop a new level of compassion with myself. Some days, the weight of this loss feels unbearable; while other days, I feel a sense of relief.

The soul of this healing journey lies within me-within all of us.

Embracing a New Chapter

While navigating grief can feel like an endless journey, remember it opens the door to new beginnings. As difficult as it is, there are opportunities for personal growth and new experiences on the horizon. Embrace the memories of what was while allowing space for what can be.

Grief is a symbol of love. The significance of our losses is reflected in the depth of our sorrow. So take heart, seek connection, and remember—we are not alone on this journey.