I thought grief would hurt.
I Just didn’t realise how much it might change me.

After my daughter Kahlia died, I expected sadness. I expected to feel shock, guilt and overwhelm.

What I didn’t expect to feel was feeling like a stranger to myself.

I didn’t know this new version of me, it wasn’t something I chose, nor something I welcomed. I didn’t even know if I liked this new me.

I was more anxious, far less patient. Easily overwhelmed and disconnected from things I used to enjoy.

And I kept wondering:

Is this grief, or is this just who I am now?

That question can be frightening when nobody has told you that grief can change far more than how you feel.

Sometimes understanding what is happening doesn't make grief easier.

But it can help us stop blaming ourselves for it.

Kirsten 💛

Download your free guide below:

Enter your email below and I'll send it straight to you.

You'll also receive Tiny Invitations, my quiet Sunday email about the parts of grief we don't always know how to put into words.

No stages, no pressure to move on. Just honest words for living with grief.

I’m really glad you’re here.