Navigating Milestone Grief & Finding Compassion In Times Of Change

In life, change—whether big or small—is often accompanied by a sense of grief. At the Grief Recovery Institute, we define grief as "the conflicting feelings that come at the end of, or change in, a familiar pattern of behavior." In other words, it’s natural to grieve when things don’t go as planned, or when the familiar parts of our lives shift.

Many of life’s celebrated milestones— big birthdays, marriage, babies, graduations, new jobs, new homes, promotions, and retirement—are exciting moments. Yet, they are also times of profound transition. “Milestone grief” can leave us feeling confused because we think we’re "supposed" to feel only joy, yet we’re filled with mixed emotions. This is normal, and it’s okay. Recognizing this truth can help us approach change with more kindness toward ourselves and others.

As we move through challenging times—especially in today’s divided world—I believe it’s more important than ever to support one another, even when our beliefs and opinions differ. In a world that encourages us to separate from those who see things differently, I want to remind you that kindness and compassion are our greatest tools for bridging the divide.

When we encounter someone with an opposing view, we can still find ways to stay connected. Simple phrases like “thank you for sharing” or “it’s okay to feel your feelings; that’s part of being human” can go a long way. Compassion and curiosity can create understanding, and understanding helps us find common ground.

Let’s walk through this together with open hearts.

If this message resonates, please share it with someone you know who might benefit from a little extra kindness and understanding right now.

For more support, visit www.laurajack.com and feel free to reach out.