Moving on vs. moving forward

What’s the difference?

We move on FROM something.

We move forward WITH something.

—.—

When it comes to grief, moving on implies that we can leave grief behind us.

But that’s not how grief works.

This kind of closure is a fallacy.

Grief never dies nor can we leave it behind.

A loss will always be a loss, no matter how long ago it was.

We cannot “move on” from our grief.

It takes up permanent residence in our hearts and minds.

• Moving forward with grief implies we continue our life journey evolving alongside our grief.

We learn to accommodate it.

It changes over time.

It changes US over time.

Grief becomes an integral part of our identity.

It has the power to change worldviews and what’s important…

For many who “do the work” …

Grief stops defining the rest of their lives.

—.—

But it can devour us in pain if not tended to—when we try to “Just move on.”

So choose your words wisely—words matter—and for someone in grief, they know the difference.

—Julie

P.S. Grief isn’t limited to loss through death.

It can come from any loss that creates painful upheaval in your life.