Grief isn’t a straight line. It doesn’t follow a neat timeline, and there’s no universal “right way” to process loss. Studies show that grief is highly individual—some people begin to heal in months, while others feel the weight of their loss for years.
If you’ve ever felt like screaming when someone says, “time heals all wounds,” you’re not alone. Grief doesn’t come with an expiration date, and forcing yourself to “move on” before you’re ready can do more harm than good.
Why Traditional Advice Falls Short
Society loves to put grief into neat little stages—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. But in reality, grief doesn’t follow a checklist. Some days, you feel okay. Other days, a song, a smell, or a random memory can bring you to your knees.
Have you ever heard things like:
💔 “They would want you to be happy.”
💔 “Everything happens for a reason.”
💔 “You just need to keep busy.”
While well-intentioned, these phrases often feel dismissive. They don’t acknowledge the deep, gut-wrenching reality of loss. That’s where grief coaching comes in.
How Grief Coaching Can Actually Help
Unlike therapy, which often focuses on processing past trauma, grief coaching is about navigating the present and finding a path forward—at your own pace. It’s not about “getting over it.” It’s about integrating your loss into your life in a way that makes sense for you.
1. No Timeline, No Pressure
Grief coaching gives you space to process your emotions without someone telling you when you should be feeling better. Healing is a deeply personal process, and there’s no deadline.
2. Guidance That Meets You Where You Are
Everyone grieves differently. Some people find comfort in routines, while others feel lost in daily life. Grief coaching helps you figure out what works for you—whether that’s creating new rituals, setting boundaries, or finding ways to honor your loved one.
3. Practical Coping Tools for Daily Life
Grief doesn’t just affect your emotions—it impacts your sleep, energy levels, relationships, and ability to focus. A grief coach provides real-world tools to help you navigate life when even simple tasks feel overwhelming.
Moving Forward Doesn’t Mean Forgetting
There’s a big difference between “moving forward” and “moving on.” You don’t have to leave your loved one behind to find meaning in your life again. With the right support, you can learn to carry your grief in a way that allows you to heal while still honoring your loss.
If You’re Ready to Take the Next Step—On Your Terms:
If you’re ready to take control of your life and start making meaningful changes, here are a few ways to begin:
Let’s talk! Book a free consultation to see if coaching is right for you.
Want to learn more about coaching? Check out my latest blog posts for insights and tips.
Explore and Discover Resources to help along your journey.
About Jillian Smith
Disclaimer: Jillian is not a therapist or counselor. She offers life coaching to help you unlock your potential and achieve your goals, business coaching for professionals and family-run businesses seeking success, and relationship coaching to build strong, meaningful connections.
As a grief coach and Death Doula, she provides compassionate support and practical steps to help you navigate loss, guiding you through life’s toughest transitions and helping you create meaning after them. Jillian graduated with honors in both undergraduate and graduate school and is dedicated to helping you thrive while maintaining balance and well-being.
