By Anastasia: Hello Beautiful Life Readers,Today, I want to touch on a subject many of us find difficult to discuss—the passing of a loved one.
Grief brings a whirlwind of emotions, and losing someone dear, especially a parent, can feel overwhelming. Milestones like birthdays, holidays, and family traditions can intensify that sense of loss.
Grieving is a deeply personal journey, and my clients often share that the first year feels unreal. This is normal. I want to walk you through the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages are not linear. You may drift between them, sometimes revisiting certain feelings as you continue to heal.
Many people believe grief progresses step by step, but that’s rarely the case. If you’ve ever thought, “I’ve moved past denial and now I’m in the anger stage,” know that emotions can ebb and flow. It’s perfectly natural to experience any of these stages at different times as you process the loss.
As a Greek Orthodox, my personal beliefs shape how I view the afterlife. However, I trust that we all return to the light of love and find rest with God. Interestingly, some spiritual teachers, like Carolyn Myss, suggest that we may have the option of returning for another life. The idea of a “do-over” offers comfort to many. If you could choose, would you return for another journey?
Feeling orphaned, regardless of age, is a common part of grieving. But remember—you are never truly alone. We are part of a beautiful, unseen collective. Family members, angels, and guides continue to surround us, offering prayers and protection.
It’s natural to fear death. We all encounter that fear at some point. The practice of surrendering—letting go and trusting in God—can be powerful. Recovery circles often remind us to “Let go and let God.” It’s a profound reminder that healing takes time.
Grief may take years to soften. Clinicians suggest it can take about five years to feel whole again. From my personal experience, after losing both of my parents, I can say this rings true. Some may find peace sooner, while others take longer—and that’s okay.
In the words of The Beatles, “The love you take is equal to the love you make.” Carry the love of those who have passed in your heart—parents, siblings, and friends. And if your relationship with the departed wasn’t ideal, I encourage you to seek forgiveness and grace.
Until next time, may you find peace for today and light for the path ahead.
With love,
Anastasia
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