How to Cope and Find Strength While Grieving a Loss

Grieving is a personal journey

,Unique to each of us. Many people think of grief only in the context of losing someone we love, but its true meaning goes far beyond physical loss. Grief is a natural response to saying goodbye to anything that has touched our hearts—be it a relationship, a beloved pet, a job, or even a cherished stage of life because of an illness.

There are no rankings or scales when it comes to grief; every loss, big or small, holds its own significance. What matters is what’s meaningful to you. Your emotions and reactions are valid, regardless of how others might perceive your loss. The experience of grieving helps us honor the things, people, or moments we hold dear, letting us process their absence in our own way.

• Grief can arise from the end of a relationship or friendship.
• Leaving a home or community can trigger feelings of loss.
• Letting go of dreams, goals, or expectations because of an illness can lead to grieving.
• Even positive changes, like graduating or starting a new job, may bring a sense of loss.

Grieving is about acknowledging the importance of what we’re leaving behind. It helps us find meaning, celebrate love, and gradually move forward.

The act of farewell—whether to a person, place, or chapter in life—reminds us of what truly matters and shapes the story of who we become.

Grieving is a deeply private experience that takes many forms.

Shaped by individual backgrounds, beliefs, and relationships. While some people find themselves overwhelmed by sadness, others may feel anger, confusion, or even numbness. These varied responses are all normal, reflecting the vast complexity of loss.

A common thread in most experiences of grief is the journey through different phases. You might have heard of the five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Although these stages offer a framework, they aren't a strict roadmap—grief rarely follows a predictable order. People may move back and forth between phases, skip stages, or experience them simultaneously.

This the grieving cycle I went through after my Chronic Illness

• Denial: As I noticed the first symptoms, I couldn’t face the reality I was in. I wasn’t ready for change and couldn’t cope with another obstacle. But, It was hard to accept that my life was about to change again. It was hard to accept that I had to revise my plans. It was hard to accept that I had to pause it all. So, I tried to fake it, pretend not to see it, and go on as long as possible. 
• Anger: As pretending doesn’t do the trick anymore, you face the ugly truth, and wrath takes over. I was angry at the entire world, everybody and everything. Moreover, I was in grave need of answers, as I kept asking: “Why?” “How?” I was looking for something or someone to blame. So, I expressed my anger by crying and acting out. 
• Fighting and negotiating: Once the eye of the storm passes, you calm down and brace yourself to face your new reality. I coped by approaching this new event professionally. And I coped by analyzing the situation and learning. I coped by searching for solutions. So, by facing the situation, I gained power and strength. 
• Depression: Once bargaining doesn’t work and fighting doesn’t help, your belief in overcoming anything deflates like a balloon. As a consequence, you fall off your high horse. I felt powerless and was frustrated with the strong woman I thought I was. And I felt tiny and vulnerable, like a bug about to be stepped on. I felt I was losing myself, the “me” I was just a while ago. So, I hid. I wanted to dissolve into thin air. 
• Acceptance: Once you find the exit within your dark tunnel and see the slightest ray of light shining through, you are open to accepting the change you’re facing. I became lucid and realistic and got rid of the bad. Also, I became aware of the change and let go. I became apt to deal with it.

It’s important to remember that grieving is a dynamic, ever-changing process. There is no universal guide or timeline. Each person experiences grief in their own way and at their own pace. If you’re grieving, be gentle with yourself and allow the process to unfold naturally.

To acknowledge your grief is essential to move forward

When you lose someone or something important, it's natural to want to resist the pain. Yet, the more you push against reality, the tougher your healing process becomes. Acknowledging your grief doesn’t mean forgetting what meant so much to you—it means facing the truth of your experience so you can eventually start to move forward.

Often, the biggest obstacle to healing isn't the loss itself, but your own resistance to it. You have the power to be your greatest ally—or your biggest obstacle—when it comes to acceptance.

Remember, moving on isn’t synonymous with forgetting. Instead, it’s about saying goodbye to what was, and embracing the present for what it is.

• Honor your emotions as they arise
• Accept where you are in your journey—without judgment
• Don’t be hard on yourself; grief looks different for everyone

By allowing yourself to truly feel and accept every emotion—grief, anger, confusion, or even moments of peace—you honor yourself. Healing begins the moment you choose acceptance. Give yourself permission to heal at your own pace.

Finding meaning and hope after loss is one of life's challenges.

Yet, it's during these moments that many people discover a deeper sense of purpose and connection. I believe in the power of signs and symbolism—they offer comfort, reminding us that there's so much more to life than what we experience in the physical world.

Seeing symbols in everyday life can help you view your journey through a new lens. It gives each moment another dimension, and even the pain of loss takes on a different significance. Loss is not the end but the start of something else—an opportunity for growth, reflection, and transformation.

• Noticing repeating numbers or meaningful coincidences
• Dreams that feel especially vivid or comforting
• Special animals or objects appearing at just the right time

You don't need to have all the answers right away, and that's okay. Embracing the mystery is part of the beauty of life. When you stay open to the possibility of deeper meaning, you might find inspiration in the smallest things. Let these moments guide and uplift you each day, reminding you that meaning can always be found, even after loss.

Conclusion

Sharing my life's stories and lessons learned is about offering support and motivation to others who may be facing similar challenges. That’s why I wrote the two books you can find here below, both can inspire you to find strength, no matter where you are on your path.

If you’re not quite ready to share your story with the world, that’s okay. Journaling can offer a safe, private space for you to process your thoughts and emotions. Writing even a few lines each day can help you heal and understand your journey better.

• Journaling provides a private outlet for emotions
• It helps clarify your thoughts
• And, it offers a sense of progress as you look back to where you were

I’m grieving still, but I have embraced the new me. Therefore, I’m apt to cope with it and live my best life, despite the challenges.

Give yourself permission to feel your emotions and take the time you need to heal. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to navigate your journey.

Grant yourself time. Time to feel, time to think, time to be without judgment. Don't be hard on yourself, you're only human, after all.