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Grieving, loss, and maintaining your creative momentum

This has become a time of loss for many people. As a creative person, the question becomes:

How do I honor the loss—and still keep my creative life going, let alone thriving?

Let Yourself Feel

First, I allow myself to feel.

Ouch.

But how do I do that without falling apart or losing my creative drive?

Even when emotions are strong, they can be held gently. One practice that helps me is compartmentalization—not as avoidance, but as balance.

Many years ago, someone offered this advice:

“Let yourself feel whatever comes—grief, anger, numbness—for 15 minutes. Then, gently return to life.”

Create Space for the Feelings

When I sense that emotions are present but not quite reachable, I pause. I sit comfortably, breathe in deeply, and exhale slowly.

As my body settles and the world slows down, I remind myself:

“I am here. I allow myself to feel.”

Rituals of Remembrance

Rituals help ground grief in meaning. Some simple ones:

If it feels right, I say their name in my heart and whisper:

“You mattered. You still do.”

Sometimes I remember a moment, a laugh, a lesson, a quiet glance—something that still lives within me.
I carry that memory with gratitude, and the pain with care.

Ask the Quiet Question

I ask:

“What part of you lives on through me?”

Then I listen.

There’s no rush. Sometimes an answer comes. Sometimes there’s just silence—and that’s okay too.

All the while, I remind myself:

“I’m not moving on from them. I’m moving on with them.”

Let Grief Inspire Creation

Let the best of them live through you.

The creative acts are limitless.
Let your art become a thread that connects you.

Life and Grief Can Coexist

Grief and life are not opposites—they exist side by side.

Come back to your creative life by noticing:

You Are Honoring the Past by Living Today

You are not betraying what was.

You are honoring it—by choosing to keep going.

Say it aloud or silently:

“I choose to keep going, and I bring you with me.”

Place your hand over your heart if it helps.
Because today, you remembered.
Today, you lived with meaning.
Today, you created.

If you aren’t comfortable sharing your grief within your community, that’s okay. Support is available—through counseling, grief groups, and compassionate connection.

Explore More from Bonni Ross
If this post resonated with you, I invite you to visit my website to discover more of my creative work. You’ll find:
🎨 The Creativity and Success Book and Audio Series – tools to inspire and sustain your creative journey.
🖼️ Artwork available as prints and on a variety of merchandise.
🎶 Original music videos to uplift and energize your spirit.