Healing Through Grief
Feeling stuck in grief? Here's how to move forward without leaving your emotions behind
Have you ever felt like your emotions are stuck on a loop when you're grieving? Whether it's the end of a relationship or the loss of someone close, grief can feel like you're carrying around a heavy backpack full of memories. But what if you didn’t have to "move on" in the traditional sense? What if you could learn to move forward while honoring your feelings? That’s exactly what we explored with the amazing Chelsea Ohlemiller, author of Now That She's Gone. 🌸
Chelsea, who lost her mother in 2017, shared how grief isn't about "moving on"—it’s about finding a way to move forward while keeping the love and lessons alive. Let’s dive into her approach and see how it can change the way we heal.
The Secret to Healing… Moving Forward, Not Moving On 💡
As Chelsea beautifully puts it, grief isn’t something you "get over." It's not a switch you can flip. Instead, it's about carrying those memories and relationships with you as you continue living your life. And that’s totally okay! In fact, the idea that you should "move on" can actually make grief harder. The better approach? Focus on moving forward—just like Chelsea did after losing her mother, she found a way to keep her mother's memory alive without letting it weigh her down. 🌿
💖 Honor the Past While Embracing the Present
Chelsea’s approach works because it acknowledges that grief is personal and non-linear. There’s no "right" way to grieve, but learning to honor both your emotions and your healing process allows you to grow without rushing the journey. Chelsea shared that accepting grief as a part of her life gave her the freedom to find joy again, without feeling guilty about it. And that’s a powerful shift we can all take to heart. 💡
Expect Some Ups and Downs 🎢
Chelsea reminds us that grief is full of contradictions—you can feel joy and sorrow at the same time. One moment you might be smiling, and the next you’re overcome with sadness. And that’s okay! It’s all part of the process. The key is not getting stuck in one place for too long, but allowing yourself to feel those emotions as they come.
Finding Joy Without Guilt
By embracing the idea of moving forward (instead of moving on), you open yourself up to:
Less pressure to "get over it." You can take your time, just like Chelsea did.
More compassion for yourself on the tough days.
A stronger connection to the people and memories that bring you joy.
Healing at your own pace, without feeling like you’re leaving anyone behind.
If you’ve been struggling to get over a loss—whether it's a relationship, a job, or a loved one—take a note from Chelsea’s book (literally!) and focus on how you can move forward. There’s no rush, no pressure—just permission to feel what you feel and keep going, step by step. 🛤️
To dive deeper into this, check out Chelsea Ohlemiller’s beautiful work at Hope and Harsh Realities. Her insights are sure to give you the space and inspiration you need to navigate grief with grace and compassion. 🌟
