Grief has no timetable. It doesn’t follow neat stages, and it doesn’t always ease with the passing of weeks or months. For many people, there comes a point where they whisper to themselves: “I should be further along by now.”

If this sounds familiar, please know this: feeling stuck in grief is not a failure. It is part of the journey and there are gentle ways to begin finding your footing again.

Why We Sometimes Feel Stuck

When loss shatters life as we knew it, our hearts and minds struggle to make sense of the world. You may notice:

Repeating the same painful thoughts or memories

Feeling weighed down by sadness or guilt

Avoiding parts of life you once enjoyed

Telling yourself you “should be over it”

None of these mean you are broken. They are signs that your grief is calling for patience, compassion, and small steps rather than pressure or judgement.

The Truth About “Moving On”

Society often sends the message that grief has a finish line,  that we must “move on.” But grief is not something we can leave behind. It is something we learn to live with.

Healing isn’t about erasing love or memories. It’s about finding ways to carry them with us, while slowly allowing new light, hope, and meaning to enter our days.

Gentle Steps Towards Movement

If you feel stuck, consider trying one small, steady step at a time:

Name your feelings : Writing them down or saying them aloud can lessen their weight.

Create rituals of remembrance : Light a candle, take a walk, or dedicate a moment to your loved one.  

Find safe spaces to talk : Whether with a trusted friend, a group, or a coach, being witnessed helps grief shift.

Practise grounding : Simple breathing, stretching, or time in nature can calm an overwhelmed body and mind.

Notice small glimmers : Even brief moments of laughter, beauty, or calm are signs that your heart is still able to heal.

I call these types of activities, Heart Habits because they remind me that my heart can still find joy. 

When Support Helps

Sometimes, the most powerful movement comes when we stop trying to do it all alone. Working with a grief coach offers a compassionate space to feel, reflect, and gently find new ways forward.

Together, we can explore how love does not die, how meaning can be discovered, and how your heart can begin to rise again.

🌿 Ready to Take a Step?

If you are feeling stuck in grief and longing for change, I invite you to:
👉 sign up to Letters for the Heart and receive reflections, practices, and my free guide 5 Gentle Steps to Begin Healing After Loss.

You don’t have to carry this alone. Wherever you are in your journey, I will meet you there