Making Space for Grief and for Healing

Grief touches millions of Americans every year, and tomorrow—on National Grief Awareness Day—we take time to acknowledge that truth.

This day isn’t just about mourning loved ones. Grief can come from many kinds of loss. 

Back in November, I wrote about the grief I experienced as a breast cancer patient. I grieved not only my health, but also my independence, energy, and even parts of my identity. But today, I learned the feeling of grief is more common than I thought.

You are Not Alone

I was shocked to learn that every year, an estimated 7 million Americans experience grief due to a significant loss, but only about 13% decide to seek professional support.

The number one thing that got me through cancer was the support of my family, friends, and a local support group. They helped me realize that healing doesn’t mean forgetting, but finding ways to live fully alongside loss.

Tomorrow is an opportunity to honor that journey, whether by supporting someone else or tending to your own healing through reflection or self-care.

May tomorrow be a reminder that you are not alone, and even through loss, hope and strength can grow. 🤗

Sources: National Library of Medicine & New York Life

#factfriday