Grief Beneath the Surface

Feb 27, 2026

Joyce Lee, LLMSW, Grief Counselor

March is the month of transition. The light lingers a little longer; the air begins to shift, and subtle signs of change appear — even if winter hasn’t fully released its grip. Similarly, grief can feel much the same. You may notice moments of steadiness followed by unexpected waves of sadness. You might feel small bursts of energy, only to find yourself exhausted again. This back-and-forth is not failure; it is the natural rhythm of a heart learning to carry both loss and life at the same time.

As the world around you moves toward spring, it can feel disorienting if your inner world still feels heavy. There can be pressure to be “doing better” by now. But grief does not follow the calendar. Healing is rarely dramatic or linear. It often looks like subtle shifts: speaking your loved one’s name more freely, allowing yourself to cry, noticing moments of connection without as much guilt. These are quiet signs of thawing and transitioning.

This month, consider giving yourself permission to move at your own pace. Let March be a reminder that growth begins beneath the surface, long before anything blooms. You do not have to force brightness. You only need to keep tending gently to your own heart. Wherever you are in your grief right now is worthy of compassion.

 

FOR MORE ABOUT GRIEF, VISIT OUR GRIEF CARE PAGE.

Recent Posts

Love, Loss, and the Ongoing Bond

Love, Loss, and the Ongoing Bond

February often places love at the center of public attention. For those who are grieving, this focus can feel tender or isolating. The pain many experience in February reflects the depth of connection that continues beyond loss.

read more