Has there ever been a time when you've felt a deep pang of loss, an ache so profound that it seems to resonate with your very soul? Today, we're discussing something we all face at some point: grief.

On a personal note, today marks the birthday of my beloved mother, who's no longer with us. And tomorrow, we remember my brother, whose life was tragically cut short last year. You see, grief is a beast that doesn't discriminate; it hits us all differently.

The Art of Embracing Feelings

In dealing with grief, I've found that embracing my feelings, sitting with them, and allowing them to wash over me, forms a key part of the healing process. There's no running, no hiding. Just acceptance. It reminds me of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's book "On Death and Dying," where she beautifully emphasizes that grief is a personal journey, one that doesn't always follow a set path.

Remember that there's no standard timeline or rulebook when it comes to grief. It's about you, your emotions, and your journey. There's something both daunting and liberating about being the captain of your own ship.

Navigating the Waves of Grief

Being captain also means reaching out when the seas get rough. That's when resources like the free Grief Out Loud Podcast can offer understanding, solace, and a sense of connection. One personal practice I've found helpful is to honor my loved ones by living my best life. Just as a plant absorbs sunlight, I soak in their love and strength to fuel my journey.

Life, with all its highs and lows, is a precious gift. Every day, every hour, every minute - they're opportunities. In the face of loss, I strive to cherish the present moment and enjoy the gift of now. And yes, it's painful. Yes, it's tough. But remember, even in grief, you are not alone. There's an entire community here, standing alongside you, sharing the burden.

Embracing Life

In grieving, it's essential to remember that it's okay to laugh, to find joy, to live. Grieving doesn't mean we stop living; it means we live with the memories, the love, the connection we had. 

Sometimes, life forces us on a journey we never planned to take, but that doesn't mean it's a journey we can't navigate. By being open, accepting, and patient with ourselves, we can find ways to continue moving forward. Remember, every day is a chance to write a new page in your life story. Even in grief, even in loss, there are chances to grow, to learn, to love. Today, on my mom's birthday, I'm choosing to live in her honor, as best as I can.

If my content has impacted you, then you will enjoy the vibe of my community, Steve Ryan & the Freedom family. I would love for you to stop by and say hi to us. We connect a lot at steveryan.com/discord which is our discord.

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