Understanding Grief: Love and Loss
Grief is a strange, beautiful, and sometimes overwhelming emotion. It is the feeling that knocks on the door of memory, asking you to pause and think about the person or thing you’ve lost. For me, grief shows up most vividly at the start of a new year. Since losing my mom to cancer, the beginning of January can feel heavy, even though life keeps moving forward. I notice the absence more acutely and have to remind myself to make space for the grief—to acknowledge it rather than push it aside. Grief is evidence of love, and love and grief are truly a packaged deal.
There is no timeline for grief. It doesn’t follow a straight path, and progress is rarely linear. Some days it feels manageable, and on others, even small reminders—a song, a memory, or a place—can bring waves of emotion. Depending on the magnitude of the loss, grief can sometimes be a lifelong companion. I know this personally: my mom’s absence is something I carry with me every day. And yet, grief is not only pain; it is also a connection to love that remains.
Grief shows up in many ways. Some people feel sadness or tears, others feel numbness, anger, or guilt. It can appear subtly, in quiet moments, or unexpectedly, when you thought you had moved forward. Holidays, anniversaries, and special dates often magnify these feelings, reminding us of what we’ve lost. Therapy provides a safe space to explore these emotions openly, without judgment, and to learn strategies for coping while still honoring the love behind the grief.
While grief can feel isolating, it is a natural, universal part of the human experience. It reminds us of our capacity to care deeply, to form meaningful connections, and to continue living fully even in the presence of loss. Through therapy, you can create space to reflect on memories, process emotions, and identify ways to navigate life while carrying both grief and love. You don’t have to do it alone.
Understanding grief is not about “fixing” it—it’s about acknowledging its presence, honoring the love behind it, and finding ways to live alongside it with compassion and clarity. Whether you are coping with the death of a loved one, a significant life change, or ongoing emotional loss, therapy in San Dimas or via Telehealth across California can provide a compassionate, supportive space to begin that journey.
