Grief changes you.

It walks in uninvited, reorders your life, and leaves you wondering if the version of you before will ever return. The truth? That version won’t, not entirely. And while that may sound devastating, it’s also where the door to transformation opens.

Amid the heartbreak, self-care has become my survival tool, my quiet rebellion against pain, and my way back to myself.

If you’re grieving, first; I see you. Whether you’ve lost a child, a parent, a spouse, or a version of your life you thought would always exist, I want you to know: you’re not broken. You’re becoming.

And self-care? It’s not selfish. It’s sacred.

Writing to Feel Again

One of the ways I care for my heart is through writing.

I don’t always know what to say out loud, but my pen does. Whether it’s journaling in silence, pouring my story into blog posts, or scribbling down a single sentence that captures a memory of my daughter, writing gives my grief somewhere to go.

In those quiet moments of writing, I reconnect with my heart, even the hurting parts. And that connection has been one of the most healing things I’ve discovered.

The Power of Me Time

There’s something beautiful about solitude.

I used to think being alone made the sadness louder, but now I realize it helps me listen.

Alone time doesn’t mean loneliness. Sometimes it means locking the door, sipping tea in silence, and letting your shoulders drop. It means turning off the noise and tuning back in to your own needs.

Grief can make you feel like you’re constantly pouring from a cracked cup, but me time helps refill it. And it matters more than we think.

Creativity Heals the Soul

Photography and crafting; those are my happy places.

Capturing everyday beauty with my camera, a flower blooming, my son’s laugh, sunlight on the kitchen floor; reminds me that even in sorrow, life is still happening. It still holds joy.

Crafting, especially in memory of my daughter, is a way I process grief and celebrate her spirit. Whether I’m creating in her favorite colors or making something for others, it grounds me. It gives my hands a purpose when my heart feels fragile.

The Little Rituals That Bring Me Back

Grief can weigh so heavy on the body. And that’s why the little things? They matter.

• A hot bath with a Lush bath bomb

• Doing my hair, even if I have nowhere to go

• Putting on a cozy outfit or a little makeup

• Lighting a candle or playing soft music

These aren’t luxuries. They’re lifelines. They remind me that I’m still here, still worthy of care, still allowed to feel good even as I grieve.

Why Self-Care Isn’t Optional in Grief

Self-care isn’t just about pampering, it’s about preservation.

Grief puts your body and mind under pressure. It’s a constant emotional load. But self-care tells your nervous system:

“You are safe. You are seen. You are still whole.”

It doesn’t erase the ache. But it makes space for hope. And in time, it helps you build a new version of yourself; stronger, softer, more whole.

What I’ve Learned

Grief doesn’t go away. But neither does joy.

They can live together. I’ve learned that taking care of myself doesn’t mean I’ve moved on. It means I’m learning how to move with my grief and not be consumed by it.

Whether it’s a quiet walk, a steamy bath, a favorite craft, or a single journal page, these small acts of self-love are what bring me back to life, day by day.

Let’s Talk About It…

What brings you comfort while grieving?

Have you found a self-care routine that helps you feel even just a little more like yourself again?

I would love to hear in the comments. Let’s create a space where we can lift each other up and share the little things that bring healing. You never know who your words might help. 💛

With love and light,

Melissa

Able Mama, Brave Soul