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Navigating grief after loss is hard, it's isolating, & the way we've been taught "move on" isn't the right answer. Join us.
Grief is a universal experience, yet no two journeys through it are the same. I’m DJ, and I created Good Grief to help others navigate the often-overwhelming process of loss. My own grief journey started with the loss of my dad, shortly followed by my grandparents, and then my mom in 2020. Her passing was both the most transformative and traumatic. I wasn’t prepared for the isolation, confusion, and emotional rollercoaster that followed.
In that time, I learned the importance of expressing grief, acknowledging the pain, and finding ways to heal. I understood that there’s no “right” way to grieve, but there is a need for support and resources tailored to those going through it.
Good Grief was born out of my experience—wanting to help others who feel lost, misunderstood, or disconnected in their grief. It’s not just about offering advice or platitudes; it’s about creating a community where people can express their emotions and find the support they need to heal.
In this space, we’ll explore grief together and provide practical tools for navigating life after loss. I’m here to support you on your journey with compassion and understanding.
Grief is a natural response to loss, but it’s much more than just sadness or mourning. It’s a complex emotional process that can affect our mental, physical, and social well-being. Grief can make us feel exhausted, disconnected, or even angry. But understanding grief is the first step toward healing.
When we lose someone, we’re not just grieving their absence—we’re grieving the future we expected to share with them. This emotional turmoil can impact everything from our relationships to our ability to focus at work. Cognitive fog and physical exhaustion are common, as grief affects our nervous system, making it hard to focus or even get out of bed some days.
But grief isn’t just about feeling sad—it’s a journey, a process. It’s different for everyone, and how you grieve is personal. The important thing to remember is that there is no wrong way to grieve, but understanding what’s happening to your mind and body can make the experience a little more manageable.
At Good Grief, we approach grief in a holistic way. I’ve created a unique framework based on 5 core dimensions of grief to help you understand and navigate your experience.
Emotional Impact – Grief often comes with powerful emotions like sadness, anger, and guilt. Recognizing these feelings and understanding their impact is key to processing grief.
Health & Wellness – Grief affects our sleep, appetite, and physical energy. Taking care of your body is a vital part of healing.
Practical Functioning – Loss impacts our daily tasks, work, and responsibilities. Acknowledging how grief affects these areas can help us regain a sense of control.
Social Connection – Isolation is common in grief. Finding support through family, friends, or communities can provide comfort and healing.
Coping Mechanisms – Whether through creative expression or healthy outlets, learning how to cope with grief is essential for long-term healing.
This framework isn’t just for understanding grief; it’s a tool to help you find practical steps for moving forward. We all grieve differently, but these dimensions provide a roadmap to help guide you through your experience.
Grief has been misunderstood for centuries. Historically, society told us that grief should have a clear timeline and that we should “move on” after a certain period. There was little space for honoring grief or giving it the time it truly needs.
The old way of thinking has led many people to feel isolated, ashamed, or frustrated with their grief. “Why am I not over this yet?” is a common thought. But the truth is, grief doesn’t follow a set of rules. It’s not linear, and it’s certainly not something you can just “get over.”
At Good Grief, we recognize that grief isn’t a problem to be solved—it’s a process to be navigated. That’s why we’re focused on redesigning grief support. Rather than pushing people to heal quickly or offering “quick fixes,” we encourage individuals to honor their grief as it is, to allow it to unfold naturally, and to seek support that matches their needs.
It’s time to break away from societal expectations and accept that grief doesn’t have to look a certain way or fit within a box. Let’s create a new narrative, one where grief is honored, understood, and nurtured.
Grief isn’t just an emotional experience; it’s a full-body experience that affects our mental health. When we lose someone, it doesn’t just tug at our hearts—it can also take a toll on our mind. Many people experience anxiety, depression, or feelings of hopelessness that can be overwhelming.
But here’s the thing: Grief and mental health go hand in hand. It’s okay to seek help when grief feels like it’s taking a heavier toll on your mind and body than you can handle on your own. In fact, it’s one of the most proactive things you can do for your healing process.
If you’ve noticed changes in your sleep patterns, appetite, or ability to focus, or if you feel like your grief is affecting your relationships or daily tasks, it might be time to consider seeking extra support. Talking to a therapist or grief counselor can help you process complex emotions and equip you with the tools you need to navigate the emotional and mental weight of grief.
Grief isn’t a linear process, and sometimes we need help to manage it, especially when it starts to affect our mental well-being. You’re not weak for asking for help—you’re strong for recognizing what you need to move forward.
There’s a reason why we feel lighter when we talk about our grief. Science tells us that sharing our emotions and stories isn’t just cathartic—it can actually promote healing. When we talk openly about our grief, our brains release oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone that helps reduce stress and encourages emotional connection.
Grief often isolates us, and we may feel like we’re carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. But by sharing with others, we connect and remind ourselves that we’re not alone. This social bonding is not only healing emotionally, but also physically—it can help regulate our nervous system and reduce cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress.
Beyond the physical benefits, sharing your grief can help you make sense of your emotions. It helps turn overwhelming, chaotic feelings into something more manageable, and it can even help you find meaning in your loss. This is part of what makes grief transformative—it allows us to grow, even when the pain is deep.
When we speak about our grief, we’re reclaiming control over something that often feels uncontrollable. Talking gives us a way to process and make sense of our emotions, while also helping others who are walking a similar path.
Supporting a grieving friend can feel daunting, especially when you don’t know what to say or do. But what matters most isn’t the perfect words—it’s the consistent presence and compassionate understanding you offer during this challenging time. Grief is isolating, and sometimes just showing up can make all the difference.
The best way to support a grieving friend is to listen without judgment. Let them share their feelings and memories without trying to “fix” anything. Grief isn’t something that can be solved, but it can be shared. Acknowledge their pain, validate their emotions, and remind them that it’s okay to grieve in whatever way feels authentic to them.
Practical support can also be incredibly helpful. Offer to help with day-to-day tasks, like preparing meals or running errands. Small acts of kindness often speak louder than grand gestures, and they show your loved one that you’re there for them in tangible ways.
And remember—grief doesn’t have a timeline. Your friend may need support months or even years after their loss, so continue checking in and letting them know they’re not alone.
The immediate aftermath of a loss can feel like a surreal blur. You might be overwhelmed by a mix of emotions—shock, numbness, and disbelief. At this moment, there is no “right” way to feel. The truth is, you don’t have to have it all together right away. It’s okay to not know what to do next.
In these first moments, it’s important to focus on basic survival—caring for your immediate physical needs, like sleep, food, and hydration. It can be easy to forget to take care of yourself when you’re consumed by grief, but self-care is crucial, even in small amounts.
You will likely have to deal with practical tasks in the first few days after a loss—arrangements, paperwork, and other decisions. Try to break these tasks into manageable chunks. Enlist help when you can. Lean on trusted family members, friends, or support networks who can take on some of these responsibilities so you can focus on healing.
One of the most important things to remember during this time is to allow yourself grace. You may not be able to handle everything at once, and that’s okay. This early stage of grief is a time for survival, not perfection.
At Good Grief, my mission is to transform how we approach grief and loss. We are creating a world where grieving isn’t something to hide or feel shame about, but a journey that is supported, honored, and understood.
In the near future, I’m launching online grief courses that offer a deeper understanding of the grief and how we can heal through those experiences. I'll first be releasing my course focused on the Good Grief framework—a structured, supportive approach to navigating grief in all its forms. These courses will provide individuals with practical tools to better manage their grief, enhance their emotional resilience, and build hope as they move forward.
Additionally, I’m expanding my 1-on-1 grief support services, offering personalized sessions to walk with you through your grief journey, providing customized care, empathy, and guidance.
But that’s just the beginning. My vision includes grief retreats that bring people together in a community setting to connect, share, and heal. These retreats will be an opportunity to experience group therapy, mindfulness practices, and peer support in a nurturing environment designed for healing and renewal.
Good Grief is more than a platform—it’s a movement. A movement that helps you heal in your own time, with support from a community who understands your journey. And my vision for the future is to bring this healing to as many people as possible.
Thank you for visiting Good Grief, we really appreciate your support. Please reach out to dj@goodgrief.guide for more information and follow along on Instagram @goodgrief.guide for regular updates and content.
Grief Support courses will soon be available, we are honored to support you on your journey.