Walking through my Grief.
Over the past five years, my life has been a whirlwind of love, hope, fear, and immense grief. I spent those years caring for my daughter as she bravely fought cancer. During that time, I lost a part of myself—my heart shattered when she passed away in 2022. Just two months ago, I experienced another profound loss with the passing of my mom.
But what many people don’t realize is that as a caregiver and a grieving person, I lost so much more than just loved ones. I lost parts of my identity. Sometimes, I felt like I was walking in a fog, disconnected from the things that once brought me joy. I lost interest in hobbies, in my passions, and in taking care of me. My focus was entirely on loving and supporting those I cared for, and I don’t regret that. That is where I was meant to be—by their side at every step.
Yet, I knew I had to find my way back to myself. Not just for me, but for my family, for the health and peace I want to find again. So, on July 22, I made a decision: I would prioritize me again. I decided to get off the couch, which I had been glued to for 4 ½ years, and start moving—literally and figuratively.
Walking has become my sanctuary. I set a goal to walk at least 1 to 3 miles every day, with three miles being my daily target. I choose to walk outside as much as possible, because I believe that nature and getting that vital dose of Vitamin C from the sun can help lift my spirits. When I walk alone, I pray, asking God to guide my steps and to help me navigate my grief. When I walk with my husband or friends, it’s a beautiful way to connect, share, and heal together.
Walking has opened a small window of healing—a way to reconnect with myself and with the world around me. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, we can find light. Grief can be isolating, and it often strips away our sense of normalcy, our energy, even our social connections. But I’ve learned that moving forward, even in small ways, can help us reclaim what feels lost.
To anyone who is walking through their own storm—whether it’s grief, loss, or simply feeling stuck—I want to encourage you: get up and move. It doesn’t have to be perfect or grand. Just taking that first step, no matter how small, is a victory. We owe it to ourselves to live, to heal, and to care for the most important person in our lives—us.
You’re not alone in this journey. Keep moving, keep praying, and be kind to yourself. Healing takes time, but with each step, you’re moving closer to finding your way back.
