About this quote

Grief can return in tiny, unexpected moments and feel as raw as the first day. One word, a song, or a found object can pull everything open again. Notice the trigger, give yourself a breath, and allow a short pause instead of pushing the feeling away. Can you ask for a minute or step outside when it happens? Small actions like that make the next hour easier to handle.

When to use it

• I was sorting through Dad's things to donate and found his worn mug; I had to sit down because it suddenly felt like he was still in the room.
• In my first team meeting after our coworker passed, someone told one of his jokes and I left the room to get myself together.
• I heard the song we used to play every morning while I was running and had to slow to a walk until the feeling passed.
• When I handed over the empty apartment keys after the breakup and saw the bare walls, the shock hit me and I stepped outside to breathe.