Posted July 18, 2025

By Breathe Counseling & Consulting, LLC
www.breathecounseling.us

When we lose someone or something we deeply care about, our world can feel like it’s been turned upside down. Yet one of the most important—and often misunderstood—truths about grief is this: grief is a uniquely personal journey.

No two people grieve the same way, and that’s okay.

There’s No “Right” Way to Grieve

Some people cry often. Others don’t cry at all. Some people want to talk about their loved one constantly, while others prefer solitude. Some feel anger or guilt. Others feel numb. All of these reactions—and more—are completely normal.

At Breathe Counseling & Consulting, we often remind our clients that there’s no checklist for grief. You’re not doing it wrong if your process looks different than your friend’s, your sibling’s, or even what you expected for yourself. Grief doesn’t follow a straight line—it bends, loops, stalls, and shifts.

Factors That Influence Grief

Each person’s grief is shaped by a variety of factors, including:

• The nature of the relationship (close, complicated, estranged, etc.)
• The type of loss (death, divorce, miscarriage, immigration-related separation, job loss, etc.)
• Cultural background and spiritual beliefs
• Previous experiences with loss or trauma
• Support systems available (family, friends, therapy, community)
• Personal coping style and emotional resilience

This is why two people can experience the same loss and respond in completely different ways.

It’s Okay If You Don’t Feel What Others Expect You To

You might have heard things like:

• “Aren’t you over it yet?”
• “You need to be strong.”
• “They wouldn’t want you to be sad.”

These comments, even when well-meaning, can be hurtful. Grief has no expiration date, and you are allowed to feel what you feel—whether that’s sadness, anger, relief, confusion, or even nothing at all.

Give Yourself Permission

One of the most healing things you can do is to honor your unique grief. That means giving yourself permission to:

• Feel without judgment
• Set boundaries with people who minimize your pain
• Express your grief in the way that feels most authentic to you
• Seek support when you need it

Therapy Can Help You Find Your Way

At Breathe Counseling & Consulting, LLC, we help individuals and families navigate their grief journey with compassion and care. Our therapists are here to hold space for your story—free of pressure, timelines, or expectations.

Whether your grief is fresh or years old, simple or complicated, quiet or loud—you deserve support.

You don’t have to grieve alone.
📞 Call us at 305-519-7146
🌐 Visit us at www.breathecounseling.us
📧 Email: [email protected]

Let us walk with you at your own pace—because your grief is valid, and so is the way you carry it.