Grief: a response of no longer feeling the connection with those who you were close to–not only those who you lost by death, but by breakup. Whether you’re grieving for a significant other, parent, or friend, natural stages occur: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, then acceptance. 

Grief may be involved in relationships between children and their parents or other family members, friends, and even choices that we have made for ourselves. People grieve over the loss of relationships. People you love and care about may move away, which can also bring grief. It is also possible to grieve over lost objects. Maybe a precious heirloom was misplaced and never found. 

There are different ways to cope with grief and everyone handles it differently. There is no right or wrong answer as to how long someone should grieve, either. Therapy, writing poetry or journals, talking it out with people you care about, and music are good examples. Many artists produce art by pouring their feelings into their music. I have also dealt with grief and like to paint on canvas. One thing that painting has taught me is that beautiful things can be created through chaos. It can be hard, but it is important to remember it can also open your heart to your own interpretation of life. You are able to realize what you value, what you want, and what kind of people you want to surround yourself with. With the right support, you are able to move forward and heal. 

There are a few symbols that represent growth and change. The phoenix is a great example of this. The phoenix who rises from its own ashes represents strength, resilience and transformation. It is comforting to know that pain and grief does not last forever, though it can feel that way. If I could give a message to anyone dealing with grief right now, I’d remind them that time brings healing and it won’t always be so hard. 

You never know what others are dealing with or what kind of burdens someone is carrying on their shoulders. Being kind and smiling at someone can go along way. Random acts of kindness could help someone who is grieving. It costs nothing to show love to people around us.