Finding Refuge in Grief

“It’s OK to not be OK.”

For anyone who is grieving a profound loss, those words may be powerful and affirming. They are the foundation of the online community Refuge in Grief, founded by Megan Devine, a Pacific Northwest writer, speaker, and grief advocate. Megan writes:

“If your life has exploded into a million little bits, you don’t need platitudes. You don’t need cheerleading. You don’t need to be told this all happened for a reason. Some things cannot be fixed. They can only be carried.”

If this message resonates with you because you have recently lost someone you love — or because you are providing grief support for a loved one — check out the resources available through Refuge in Grief. Here are two of our favorites (downloadable for free):

“8 Simple Acts for an Unbearable Time” is a survival guide for those experiencing early grief.

“Do This Not That” includes helpful tips for supporting a loved one.

Refuge in Grief also offers writing courses, art exercises, an audio book for working through early grief, and a print book that promises “a whole new way to look at grief — and love.”