Embracing Grief with HEART: A Personal Reflection on National Grief Awareness Day

Today, on National Grief Awareness Day, I find myself reflecting deeply on the journey that grief has taken me on. It’s a path that, at times, feels isolating and overwhelming, but it’s also one that has shaped who I am today. Grief is an inevitable part of life, yet it’s something we rarely talk about openly. For many, it’s a silent struggle that we carry with us, day by day.

Grief doesn’t have a timeline or a rulebook. Each of us experiences it in our own way, at our own pace. For some, it may be a wave that crashes down suddenly, while for others, it’s a steady undercurrent that pulls at the heart. My own experience with grief taught me that it’s not something you “get over” but something you learn to live with.

For me, this journey has led to the HEART method for leading under extreme disruption. HEART stands for Humanize, Empower, Ascend, Reimagine, and Transform. While these words may be described differently when I talk about innovation, I have put them into the context of grief, leading with HEART means recognizing that everyone’s experience is different and that support can take many forms. Humanize is about acknowledging that, even in the darkest times, it’s essential to connect on a personal level and recognize the human experience. Empower involves providing the tools, space, and understanding needed for someone to navigate their grief. Ascend is about helping others rise above their circumstances, knowing that they can move forward, even if it’s just one step at a time. Reimagine encourages us to see the world, our relationships, and our roles in new ways as we process loss. Finally, Transform is about embracing the changes that grief brings, allowing it to shape us into stronger, more empathetic individuals.

In the professional world, grief can often be an invisible burden that employees carry. Workplaces are typically environments where we are expected to be productive, focused, and engaged. However, when an individual is grieving, those expectations can feel insurmountable. It’s during these times that employers have a unique opportunity to lead with empathy and compassion.

Employers who lead with HEART during times of grief show their teams that they value them as whole people, not just as employees. This approach not only supports the individual but also fosters a workplace culture rooted in understanding and mutual respect.

On this National Grief Awareness Day, I encourage all leaders and colleagues to take a moment to reflect on how they can better support those who are grieving. It might be through a simple act of kindness, offering a listening ear, or creating a more flexible work environment that acknowledges the realities of loss. Keeping in mind that it can be challenging to deal with someones affairs that have been left behind.

Grief is a part of life, and by leading with HEART, we can help others navigate their journey with compassion and care. Let’s make our workplaces spaces where people feel seen, supported, and understood, no matter what they’re going through.