2025 has been a difficult year for many people.

For me, this has been a year of mental and emotional upheaval. I've experienced devastating personal losses, several hospital stays plus anxiety and depression. That and witnessing the struggles of so many has felt like a heavy burden I can't quite carry.

I have yet to allow myself to acknowledge and grieve the difficult parts of the year, but I know I need to. I have the fear that once I start crying I won't be able to stop. Maybe you can relate.

The only cure for grief is to grieve. ~Jill S. Cohen

How to Move Through Grief

• Recognize all Feelings - Grief isn't just sadness. It is a mix of grief, anger, numbness and overwhelm.‍
• Your Grief Journey is Unique - It's a personal journey with no specific timeline.‍
• Feelings Come in Waves - From overwhelming and too much to softer calmer waves.
• Talk to Someone - If it's a professional or a close friend, you need to express what your feeling.
• Journal - Writing or drawing your feelings helps to visualize what you're experiencing.
• Movement to Help You Cope - Whether it's a walk through nature, a yoga class or some other movement, embrace moving your body

Support Yourself as You Grieve

• Take Mindfulness Breaks - Time not on your device is a mindful break, whether it's spending time in nature, enjoying physical movement, reading, cooking or something else that takes your head out of the panic of what's going on and into the present moment.
• Acknowledge - You can't control the timeline of your grief.
• Maintain Your Routine - Continue to eat meals at the regular time, get enough sleep and give yourself time to spend doing activities you enjoy.
• Connect - With people who support and encourage you, a grief group or take time away at a retreat.
• Be Patient - Healing takes time, allow yourself moments of grief knowing that at any moment something may trigger you.

Avoid Comparative Suffering

When you compare your suffering to someone else's, it's what's known as comparative suffering—it’s never helpful and can actually be harmful. Brene Brown talks about it on her podcast and it gave me an "aha moment." Listen here for the full scoop.

Comparative suffering doesn't make our load or our neighbor's (who may or may not have a more dire situation) any easier. Instead, it makes our load heavier to carry. We are on the hamster wheel of guilt and the load of stress and anxiety can be overwhelming as we think "I shouldn't feel bad about my situation because I don't have it as bad as someone else."

Whatever you're going through, remember you're not alone. We are in this together, but we don't have to suffer. We can just keep putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward until we emerge on the other side of the tunnel.

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This blog is intended to provide helpful suggestions for self care and overall well-being. I am not a mental health professional. If you’re struggling I encourage you to seek the help of a professional. Find a Mental Health Professional | National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988