New Year, Old Grief

The arrival of the New Year is often accompanied by the buzz of resolutions, transformation stories, and the promise of a "new year, new you." But, for some of us, the New Year may be a marker of the “end” of a turbulent, griefy year. Or maybe this new year will usher in a different kind of journey—one of grief, loss, or simply the acknowledgment that transformation isn't always on the horizon. And that's perfectly okay.

Here’s the thing: Grief doesn't care about the calendar. The turning of the year doesn't magically erase the pain. So, if you're stepping into the New Year without a list of resolutions because you just can’t get there right now, know you're not alone. If your idea of a resolution for 2024 is to just survive, then that is perfectly fine. 

There's societal pressure to act as if we’ll change everything in our lives as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. But what if, instead, we didn't force change? What if we let ourselves navigate the year without the pressure of trying to become someone entirely new, or reach the maximum capacity versions of ourselves? Grief teaches us that our journey isn't a straight line, and it's okay to carry the weight of our experiences into the new year.

The idea of a "new you" might not match up with how you're feeling, especially if grief is tagging along. It’s important to acknowledge grief as a constant companion and understand that its presence doesn't diminish your worth or potential for growth. We grow alongside our grief, and our grief changes as we grow!

In a world often fixated on progress and change, celebrating your journey exactly as it is becomes a revolutionary act! 

So we’re not setting any resolutions this year. Instead, we’re going to focus on the little things:

👉 Get to Know Your Grief: Instead of pushing it away, try to get to know your grief. Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up.

👉 Celebrate the Little Wins: Even the smallest victories deserve a shout-out. Celebrate the little wins along your journey, whether it's a productive day or just getting out of bed.

👉 Find Your Support Crew: Surround yourself with people who get it. Whether it's friends, family, or a community like Grieve Leave, having folks who understand can make a big difference.

👉 Be Kind to Yourself: Be kind to yourself as you navigate through the ups and downs in 2024. 

As we step into 2024, know that you don’t have to force transformation or have everything figured out. Wherever you are in your grief journey is normal. This year, don't worry about progress or resolutions. Your grief isn't operating on a calendar. Just take it one moment at a time and don't forget to celebrate the little wins. You've got this, even if "this" changes day to day.