What is Acceptance in Grief, and How Can I Manage it?

Acceptance might look like a feeling of lightness in the body, a sense of understanding and acceptance of the reality of what happened (even if it isn’t something you would have chosen to happen), feeling a connection to your person.

How to Be With it: Take small steps. Notice the sunlight, the taste of your food, the sound of your own breath. Acceptance is not a destination; it’s a slow unfolding. Let yourself find moments of peace, even if they’re fleeting. You’re not leaving the loss behind - you’re learning to live alongside it.

Tangible, Creative Actions:

Plant a Memory Garden: Choose plants or flowers that remind you of your loved one. Tend to it as a living tribute.

Write a “New Chapter” Letter: Write a letter to yourself about how you want to move forward with your grief. What do you want to carry with you? What do you want to leave behind?

Create a Ritual of Release: Light a lantern and let it float away, scatter ashes in a meaningful place, or write a message on a rock and toss it into a body of water. Let it symbolize your willingness to carry the loss while still moving forward.