Grief Doesn’t Follow a Calendar: Honoring Grief Awareness Day
- Melony Hill
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
Grief is strange. It doesn't wear a watch or check the calendar. It can show up quietly one day and crash into you the next. While Grief Awareness Day falls on August 30th, the truth is—we carry grief with us every day in ways big and small.
If you've been following Me for years, you know that grief is not something that I was comfortable talking about for years. I've always said that it was the one topic around mental health that I was prepared to tackle. I think I realized that I was grieving still and thought that because I was, that I couldn't help others with theirs. The more I worked on healing My own grief, I understood grief more; from how it's not linear, just like other forms of healing. I also had to accept that we grieve things other than people. Some will tell you that it's foolish to grieve your past life, past weight or not accomplishing your goals. It's not foolish at all, we all grieve different things an in different ways.
Whether you've lost a loved one, a relationship, a sense of normalcy, or even a version of yourself, grief is part of the human experience. But that doesn't make it any easier to navigate. I realized that I was grieving My mobility, not being able to move around the way I used to has had Me fighting depression and grief at the same time.
Today, I want to talk about what grief really looks like, how to cope when it feels unbearable, and remind you: You are not alone.
💧 The Many Faces of Grief
Grief doesn’t only follow death. It can stem from:
Divorce or breakups
Miscarriage or infertility
The loss of a job, identity, or future you planned
Chronic illness or loss of mobility
Estrangement from family or friends
Collective trauma or world events
No matter the source, grief can flip your world upside down.
📉 The 5 Stages of Grief
You've probably heard of the five stages of grief, while these stages don’t unfold in a neat order, understanding them can help you make sense of the waves you feel:
Denial – “This can’t be happening.” Denial protects us from being overwhelmed all at once.
Anger – Frustration, rage, and even blame may bubble up. It’s okay to feel this way.
Bargaining – “What if I had done something differently?” A stage full of ‘what-ifs’ and guilt.
Depression – A heavy sadness, emptiness, or numbness may settle in.
Acceptance – Not about “being okay” with the loss, but learning to live alongside it.
Grief doesn’t follow rules. You might feel all five stages in a week—or in one day.
🌱 Coping With Grief
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to grieve. But here are some tools that may help:
Give yourself permission to feel: You’re not too sensitive. You’re grieving.
Write it out: Journaling can help you process emotions that feel too big to speak.
Create rituals: Light a candle, keep a memory box, or write letters to your loved one.
Stay connected: Grief can be isolating. Call a friend, join a support group, or talk to a therapist.
Practice gentle care: Nourish your body, get sunlight, and move in ways that feel safe.
Say their name: Don’t be afraid to talk about the person you lost. Keeping their memory alive can be healing.
🛠️ Grief Resources That Can Help
If you or someone you love is struggling, here are some resources to turn to:
What’s Your Grief – Articles, courses, and tools for modern grief
The Dougy Center – Support for grieving children and families
Modern Loss – Honest, real stories and advice about grief
NAMI – Support for those dealing with grief and mental health struggles
🤍Remember
Grief doesn’t expire. It changes over time, but it never fully goes away. And honestly, it shouldn't have to. Grief is proof of love. It’s a reflection of the depth of your connection, not a weakness or something to “get over.”
If you’re grieving today—or any day—know that you’re allowed to feel everything. You’re allowed to ask for help. And you’re allowed to still seek joy, even in the middle of your pain.
You are not alone in this.
Journal Prompt: What has grief looked like in your life? What helped you cope, even a little?
Drop a comment, share your story, or send this to someone who might need it today. You never know who’s silently grieving and could use a reminder that someone sees them.
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