Good Grief

We all face losses: the death of a friend, relative, or pet; a relationship ending; loss of a job, a dream, or a limb. These losses provoke grief, an emotion that is part of a normal, healthy, healing process.

Restraining grief is destructive. Releasing it is restorative and constructive; releasing it is healing. Many misunderstand grief. They think crying or showing emotional pain is a sign of weakness. They try to deny grief. But feeling the pain helps deal with loss and return to normal ways of living.