Giselle Avenue

Hey loves,

I’m writing this with a heavy heart today because it marks nine years since I lost my grandma, and honestly, it still feels surreal. Grief is such a powerful emotion, and while time does soften the edges, the void never quite disappears. I remember the day like it was yesterday—getting that phone call that changed everything. It was one of the hardest moments of my life, and since then, the journey through grief has been one of the toughest.

Ever since 2020, we have all experienced some form of loss, but as a collective, we haven’t had the time to truly process those emotions or embark on the healing journey. Now is an opportune moment to focus on self-healing. We are all in the process of learning how to heal ourselves from the various types of loss we have endured over the years.

If you’re reading this because you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, first, let me say, I see you. Grieving is hard, messy, and unpredictable. There’s no perfect way to go through it, but I wanted to share some things that have helped me over the years. These five tips have been my lifeline, and I hope they can offer some comfort to you, too.

1. Allow Yourself to Feel Everything

The one thing I’ve learned from losing my grandma is that it’s okay to feel all the emotions—whether it’s sadness, anger, guilt, or even moments of joy when reminiscing. Grief has no timeline, and you’re allowed to feel how you feel. Don’t rush yourself to “move on” or “be strong.” It’s okay to cry, and it’s okay to smile when you think of the memories. Let it flow.

2. Talk About It—With Someone You Trust

For the longest time, I kept so much bottled up because I didn’t want to burden others with my grief. But over time, I realized that sharing my feelings, even just talking about my grandma and how much I miss her, helped lighten the load. Whether it’s with a close friend, a family member, or even a therapist, talking can be healing. Find your people, the ones who listen without judgment, and open up to them. And remember that if your feelings become too much to bear alone, you can seek professional help at a mental health residential treatment center where you can find the help and support you need.

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3. Create a Ritual in Their Memory

Every year on this day, I find a quiet moment to light a candle for my grandma and reflect on the memories we shared. It’s a small but meaningful ritual that helps me stay connected to her. Whether it’s lighting a candle, visiting their resting place, cooking their favorite meal, or looking through old photos, creating a tradition can help keep their memory alive in a beautiful way. This has been one of the most comforting ways for me to honor her legacy.

4. Take Care of Your Body and Mind

Grief isn’t just emotional—it can manifest physically too. I remember feeling completely exhausted, having headaches, and even getting sick more often after my grandma passed. It’s so important to take care of yourself during this time. Make sure you’re getting enough rest, eating well, and moving your body—even if it’s just a short walk. Also, try to engage in practices that bring you peace, whether it’s journaling, meditation, or prayer. You deserve that self-care.

5. Know That Healing Isn’t Linear

Some days, I feel like I’m handling the grief just fine, and then out of nowhere, something will trigger a flood of emotions. And you know what? That’s okay. Healing isn’t linear, and it doesn’t mean you’re going backward if a wave of grief hits you out of the blue. Be gentle with yourself. There’s no set timeline for how long it takes to “heal.” The truth is, we never really stop missing those we love—we just learn to carry them with us differently.

I miss my grandma every single day, but I also know that she’s still with me, guiding me in ways I can’t always see. And if you’re going through something similar, please know that it’s okay to grieve, and it’s okay to feel lost at times.

Grief is a journey, not a destination. Take your time, be kind to yourself, and trust that over time, you’ll find new ways to carry the love and memories with you. You are never alone in this, and if no one’s told you today—you are loved.

With love,
Giselle