I think about grief as a measure of our love, that grief compels us to do something, to love more.

Robin Wall Kimmerer

Great losses will always be with us, shaping us, sculpting our view of the world, touching on all that we do. It can take years, decades even, to get to the point where we might consider in our hearts that we have made some kind of peace with the death of our loved ones. There is no rule book for grief.

Coming to terms with death is enormously challenging and everyone will find their own ways to cope with the devastating impacts of loss. How we, as humans, cope with these transitions, how we support each other through them is so important.

It is always incredible to me seeing how bereaved individuals will often pour their grief into something beautiful and inspiring – whether it is supporting others, running marathons, writing, painting, climbing mountains, music, walking in nature, or singing.

However hopeless and insurmountable it may feel at the time, I truly believe that the best antidote to death is the continuing and whole-hearted affirmation of life. By finding ways to channel our grief into love, to look outwards and onwards, to help carry each other through the dark times, to find ways to self-nourish and be kind to ourselves and others, to live fully… then we can at least hope to find some workable understanding with our grief as we journey through life.

This is an extract of an article I was invited to write for Anam Cara Fasgadh – a wonderful charity that provides free respite accommodation, recreational activities and support to families who are bereaved through the death of a baby, child or young person. You can read the full article here.

Please consider making a donation towards Anam Cara Fasgadh’s important work via their website ❤️ Thank you!