The phrase “good grief” might seem contradictory at first. How could something as painful and heart-wrenching as grief be labeled as “good”? Yet, in the paradox of this expression, there is profound truth. Good grief doesn’t mean that the sorrow of loss feels good, but rather that within the journey of grief, there’s potential for healing, growth, and even moments of beauty.
What is “Good Grief”?
Good grief acknowledges that while the pain of loss is inevitable, it can also be a pathway toward something meaningful. It’s not about minimizing or rushing through grief but embracing it in a way that allows us to transform and find deeper purpose. To grieve “well” means to lean into the process rather than shy away from it. It’s in these moments of vulnerability and brokenness where we can find unexpected strength, resilience, and grace.
Grief, at its core, is a natural response to losing someone or something we hold dear. There’s nothing wrong with grieving; in fact, it’s an essential part of healing. Good grief doesn’t happen because we avoid the pain—it happens because we allow ourselves to walk through it, trusting that healing is on the other side.
Embracing the Process
Grief is not a linear process. It ebbs and flows, with days that feel manageable and others that feel overwhelmingly difficult. But embracing grief is about recognizing that these ups and downs are normal and necessary. The waves of emotion are part of the healing process. Good grief means allowing those emotions to come without judgment or guilt.
It’s easy to feel pressure to “get over” grief, but healing comes from allowing ourselves to fully experience the sadness, anger, confusion, and even moments of joy that arise. We must give ourselves permission to feel deeply. By doing so, we honor the love we had and begin the process of mending our hearts.
Finding Meaning Through Loss
One of the most powerful aspects of good grief is its ability to lead us to new meaning and purpose. Although we may never fully understand the reasons behind our losses, over time, many people discover that grief has shaped them in ways that bring about new depth and perspective.
Whether it’s through honoring our loved ones in small ways, getting involved in a cause, or simply living in a way that reflects the lessons they taught us, we can find purpose in the pain. Grief often strips away what’s unnecessary and leaves us with a clearer understanding of what truly matters.
Resilience and Growth
Good grief fosters resilience. Each day we get through while mourning, each memory that brings both tears and smiles, builds our inner strength. Grief teaches us that we are capable of surviving loss and that we can move forward even when the world feels shattered.
Growth through grief is not about “moving on” or forgetting, but about healing. Grief can expand our capacity for love, empathy, and understanding. We learn more about our strength than we ever knew possible. Grief, while incredibly painful, helps us grow into the people we are becoming.
Moving Forward, Not Letting Go
One of the most difficult aspects of grief is learning to move forward while still holding on to the memories of those we’ve lost. Good grief doesn’t mean leaving your loved one behind—it means carrying their memory with you as you step into the future. It’s about finding ways to live with the absence while still finding joy and meaning in life.
We never truly let go of those we’ve loved and lost. They remain with us in our hearts, memories, and the ways they have shaped who we are. The key is to learn to live with their absence, allowing their presence to inspire us rather than weigh us down.
Good grief isn’t about avoiding the pain or pretending that loss doesn’t hurt. It’s about allowing grief to transform us in ways that bring growth, healing, and hope. While grief is a reflection of the love we’ve had, it’s also a journey toward rediscovering ourselves in a new light. Through the process of grief, we learn to live again, to love again, and to find meaning in the midst of loss.
Grief may feel like it will last forever, but through “good grief,” we come to understand that while the pain of loss is real, so is the promise of healing. Grief is the price we pay for loving deeply, but in time, it can bring us to a place of peace and renewed hope. Trust the process and allow your heart to mend, for there is beauty even in the broken places.
